Metering equipment requirements
The metering rules have been amended to better address risk by considering both the size of the water work/s and the water user's entitlement to determine if they fall within the scope of the regulations.
Key updates include extended compliance deadlines for some water users and simplified meter installation with optional telemetry and LIDs for smaller water users.
For larger and high-risk water works, there have been no changes to the rules. This includes surface water pumps ≥500mm or works nominated by a total entitlement ≥100ML.
See more information on the new metering rules.
Telemetry
All surface and groundwater works captured by the non-urban metering rules need to be fitted with a pattern-approved meter and a telemetry-capable data logger (a local intelligence device or LID).
Telemetry is required for water users with cumulative entitlements of 100ML or more, unless exempt. The table below explains the components needed under these rules.
| Components | Description |
|---|---|
| A pattern-approved meter installed and revalidated in accordance with the Australian Standard for non-urban water meters (AS4747) by a duly qualified person (DQP) | A DQP must install pattern-approved meters in accordance with AS4747. AS4747 covers the design, installation and commissioning of metering systems. |
| A local intelligence device (LID) that records the water taken through your work and makes the data recorded available to government. | LIDs must meet the technical specifications (PDF, 1900.85 KB) approved by the Minister. The department maintains a list of local intelligence devices that meet these specifications. |
| Tamper-evident seals that show if equipment has been interfered with. |
Irrigation Australia Limited is responsible for supplying compliant tamper evident seals.
Tamper-proof seals can only be installed or broken by a duly qualified person, such as a certified meter installer, or a WaterNSW or NRAR employee who is an authorised officer. |
Pattern-approved meters
What is a pattern-approved meter?
A pattern-approved meter is a meter that has been approved by the National Measurement Institute under the National Measurement Regulations 1999 (Commonwealth) as meeting the Australian Standard for non-urban water meters (AS4747).
The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water maintains a list of pattern-approved non-urban water meters.
A meter must undergo a range of physical tests at a National Association of Testing Authorities accredited laboratory, such as Manly Hydraulics Laboratory in NSW or the Australian Flow Management Group in South Australia to check if it is compliant with the AS4747.
If the meter passes testing, it can be pattern-approved as compliant with the requirements:
- for closed conduit meters (NMI-M10)
- for open channel meters (NMI-M11)
- of equivalent overseas standards.
For more information about the process for having a meter pattern-approved, please contact National Measurement Institute at infotm@measurement.gov.au or Manly Hydraulics Laboratory.
Compatible Local Intelligence Devices
What is a local intelligence device?
A local intelligence device (LID) connects a meter to securely record information about water take. It either transmits this information to the NSW Government’s telemetry system or allows on-site data downloads.
- The following specifications define the minimum requirements for LIDs, ensuring a satisfactory level of functionality, data integrity and security for LIDs: NSW Data Logging and Telemetry Specifications 2021 (PDF, 1900.85 KB)
- Data Acquisition Service Logged Data Format Guidelines (2020) PDF, 246.73 KB
LIDs that meet requirements
The department maintains a list of LIDs that meet these requirements. However, this list does not imply warranty, reliability or suitability of the devices for specific conditions or configurations. Product names are listed without preference over similar products from other manufacturers.
Please note, the list specifies the version assessed. Any unlisted version of the same device may require further assessment to ensure it meets the department’s standards.
Working with the department
The department’s Market Engagement Policy for Telemetry (PDF, 593.52 KB) describes:
- how we will engage with providers of telemetry solutions that support the non-urban metering and floodplain harvesting measurement rules
- the process and criteria for assessing whether telemetry solutions and on-farm or third party telemetry systems, can operate within the government‘s telemetry system.
The policy also describes the process for confirming that a LID meets these requirements (PDF, 1900.85 KB). If the device complies, the department publishes details about it on the website.
For more information on how to have a LID listed, you can email the department at water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au.
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