Online information sessions
Learn about the steps you need to take to comply with the non-urban metering rules and important deadlines. Register for one of our online information sessions where experts will explain the requirements and answer your questions.
Register for a webinarYou may be eligible for a free telemetry device and installation
If you’re a water user in the Murray-Darling Basin, you may qualify for the expanded Telemetry Uplift Program, courtesy of the Australian government.
3 steps to become meter ready
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Step 1
Check your licence and approval details on the NSW Water Register or your work approval to see what is listed. It is your responsibility to check whether the size and type of work installed on your property is the same as what is listed on your approval. WaterNSW can assist you to update any details, including the size of your works, amend your approval or make your work inactive.
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Step 2
Use the NSW Government's online metering guidance tool to see if, and how, the rules apply to you.
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Step 3
If the rules apply to you, contact a duly qualified person (DQP), such as a certified meter installer (CMI) to discuss your situation. They can advise you about what equipment you need, and order, install and validate it. A list of DQPs can be found on Irrigation Australia’s website. Just click on 'Certified Meter Installers and Validators' to search for one near you.
Metering rules
The metering rules require water users to assess their compliance requirements based on their total entitlement and the size of their work, pump or bore.
Large water users must comply with the highest metering standards whilst smaller water users have less prescriptive metering requirements. The table below outlines how the rules apply to you.
| Works | Measurement requirements | Compliance date |
|---|---|---|
| All surface water pumps ≥500mm |
| Must already be compliant. |
| All works nominated by total entitlement ≥100ML, unless otherwise exempt1 |
| Inland water users must already be compliant. Coastal water users need to comply by 1 December 20262 |
| All works nominated by total entitlements of >15 and <100ML, unless otherwise exempt1 |
|
Need to comply by 1 December 2027 or by the work approval renewal, whichever is later |
Pumps and bores below the size-based thresholds Works nominated by total entitlement ≤15ML (unless a surface water pump ≥500mm) |
| Not applicable |
Works not taking licensed water (unintended, inactive) Works not nominated by licensed water entitlements |
| Not applicable |
1. If there is only 1 bore or pump on the property: bores less than 200mm and surface water pumps less than 100mm are exempt.
2. Work approval holders with a pre-existing metering condition MW2452-00001 should already have a meter complying with AS4747 in place.
Multiple sized-based thresholds for pumps and bores
| Type of work | Number | Maximum diameter permitted |
|---|---|---|
| Surface water (pumps) | 2 pumps | 74mm |
| Surface water (pumps) | 3 pumps | 49mm |
| Surface water (pumps) | 4 pumps | 39mm |
| Groundwater (bores) | 2 bores | 159mm |
| Groundwater (bores) | 3 bores | 129mm |
| Groundwater (bores) | 4 bores | 119mm |
Maintaining and re-validating your meter
You must maintain and re-validate your metering equipment in line with the Maintenance Specifications 2019 (PDF, 147.15 KB). Some maintenance tasks can be performed by water users outside of the regular maintenance intervals.
Closed conduit meters (full pipes, pumps and bores) must be maintained and re‑validated by a DQP, 10 years after installation, then every 5 years.
Open channel meters (partially filled pipes, channels, flumes, weirs, regulators) must be maintained and
re-validated by a DQP annually.
Government-owned meters
WaterNSW is responsible for ensuring government-owned meters installed in the Southern Basin, Hawkesbury–Nepean and Bega regions, meet the required standards. For questions, please contact WaterNSW on 1300 662 077 or email meter.maintenance@waternsw.com.au
Telemetry
Telemetry is required for both groundwater and surface water works for water users with cumulative entitlements of 100ML or more, unless otherwise exempt.
Telemetry Uplift Program
If you’re a groundwater user in the Murray-Darling Basin, you may qualify for a fully funded telemetry device and installation on your compliant meter, courtesy of the Australian government.
Learn more and check your eligibility
Benefits of telemetry
Telemetry is the automatic measurement and wireless transmission of data from remote sources and is the most efficient way to track water usage. You can view your water usage on the department’s private online dashboard, the Data Acquisition Server (DAS).
Even if telemetry is optional or your work is exempt, you can choose to install it and connect to the NSW Government’s telemetry system. Using telemetry means you do not have to manually record and report your take.
Do you have telemetry network coverage?
The NSW Government has developed a Mobile Coverage Tool to assist you and your meter installer identify your network coverage. If you are in a blackspot area, a telemetry exemption may apply.
Applying for a telemetry exemption
The Minister has granted an exemption for works that need telemetry but cannot connect due to lack of network coverage. To qualify, the department must be notified using the telemetry exemption notification form (PDF, 138.17 KB), confirming the site is in a blackspot.
This exemption only applies to works that cannot physically meet telemetry requirements.
Download the exemption instrument (PDF, 249.47 KB)
The exemption:
- Automatically applies when a water user notifies the Minister, using the telemetry network coverage exemption notification form (PDF, 138.17 KB), confirming they are in a telemetry blackspot.
- Exempts the work from needing a Local Intelligence Device (LID) with telemetry capability.
- Requires the water user to manually record and report water use as per WaterNSW reporting requirements.
- Covers only one work per form; submit separate forms for additional exemptions.
How to obtain a telemetry exemption
Step 1 – Generate a telemetry coverage report
To generate the report, you will need:
- Work approval owner’s name
- Work approval number
- ESID (unique extraction site number) – found on your work approval or by calling WaterNSW at 1300 662 077
- Meter location (latitude/longitude) to at least six decimal places (available from Google Maps or most smartphones)
Generate a telemetry coverage report.
The report will download automatically - be sure to save it. The department does not store the information you enter.
How to interpret this report
Blue pixels show areas with network coverage.
White pixels show areas without coverage.
A site is automatically exempt if there is at least one white pixel between it and the nearest blue pixel.
| Automatically exempt | Not automatically |
|---|---|
| 
|
The telemetry coverage report checks the three nearest Telstra towers with 4G NB-IoT or LTE Cat M1 networks within a 30 km range of your meter. It includes:
- Property Details – based on the information you entered
- General View – shows overall telemetry coverage from the nearest towers
- Detailed View – zooms in on the meter site for a clearer coverage view
- Elevation Profile – shows the line-of-sight path to the nearest towers, highlighting obstacles (a raised antenna may help—consult your DQP)
Note:
- This report does not show mobile phone coverage, which may differ.
- It does not meet WCAG accessibility standards. For assistance, contact 1300 081 047 or water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au
Step 2 – Complete the exemption notification form
If the report shows your work is exempt, download and complete the telemetry exemption notification form (PDF, 138.17 KB).
Step 3 – Submit the exemption notification form
Submit the completed telemetry exemption notification form together with your telemetry coverage report and any additional attachments to water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au Use the subject line: Telemetry exemption notification
If you're not automatically exempt but think you're in a blackspot:
You can ask your DQP to do an onsite telemetry test. If the test shows no coverage, submit the telemetry exemption form along with the test results and any other relevant information to water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au Use the subject line: Telemetry Exemption Request – Online Telemetry Coverage but No On-Site Connectivity.
Reporting and recording your water take
All licensed water users must follow recording and reporting requirements under the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018.
Use the WaterNSW online interactive tool to check your specific recording and reporting requirements.
The iWAS system lets you manage your water account online, anytime. Visit the WaterNSW recording and reporting webpage to login or register.
Find a meter installer
Only a duly qualified person (DQP) can install, validate and maintain metering equipment, including local intelligence devices (LIDs) and tamper-evident seals. There are two types of DQPs; certified meter installers and hydrographers.
Certified meter installers (CMIs): are responsible for most activities related to meters installed on pipes (closed conduit), including installation, maintenance and accuracy testing. Find a CMI on the Irrigation Australia visit Irrigation Australia or use the Virtual Marketplace
Hydrographers: are responsible for most activities related to meters installed in channels or on regulators (open conduit), including installation, maintenance and accuracy testing. Find a hydrographer on the Australian Hydrographers Association
Note: Skilled professionals like plumbers, electricians and irrigation specialists can qualify to perform meter installation, validation and maintenance. These new DQPs will be made available through Irrigation Australia.
Exemptions from the non-urban metering rules
If an exemption applies to your work, it does not need to comply with the non-urban metering rules. The table below summarises the various exemptions from the non-urban metering rules.
| Exemption | More information |
|---|---|
| My total entitlement connected to my works approval is 15ML or less | A works approval with total entitlements of less than or equal 15ML is not required to meter under the non-urban metering rules, unless it is involved in allocation trading. You are not eligible for this exemption if you have a surface water pump of 500mm or more. |
| Works used solely to take water under a basic landholder right | Find out if you are taking water under a basic landholder right. |
| Works that have previously been made inactive or do not take water from a water source. | Under the updated regulation, only works classified as constructed require compliant metering. If your work is not being used, you can apply to your licensing authority to classify your work as “Constructed – Landholder declared not taking water’’ |
| Works that cannot physically comply with the non-urban metering rules. | The Minister may exempt a work if it cannot physically comply with the non-urban metering rules under cl233 exemption in the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018, the Minister may also require the work to be fitted with alternative metering equipment. To learn more about this exemption and how to apply, please refer to the fact sheet. For applications or further information email regulatory.implementation@dpie.nsw.gov.au |
| Works that are not nominated against a water access licence | Only works approvals that are nominated by a licence are required to meter. To withdraw a nominated work from your access licence, contact Water NSW or your licensing authority department. |
| Works that are located in a telemetry coverage blackspot | The Minister has granted a temporary exemption for works that are required to connect to telemetry but cannot because they are in a site that does not receive network coverage. Check your telemetry coverage to obtain a telemetry exemption. |
| Works used for floodplain harvesting | A work used solely to take water under the following:
Read more about different measurement rules for works used for floodplain harvesting. |
Pump or bore sizes different to what is approved
If your pump or bore is smaller than what is stated on your works approval, you must notify WaterNSW using the Change of pump size notification form. This does not change your works approval. If the size falls below the threshold for requiring a meter, then it’s exempt from metering.
If your pump or bore is larger than listed on your approval, you are in breach of approval conditions and may face compliance action. You can apply to amend your approval through WaterNSW.
Financial support
There are a range of NSW and Australian Government programs that can help water users manage the impact of purchasing metering equipment:
- The Telemetry Uplift Program funded by the Australian Government offers fully funded telemetry devices and installation for eligible water users in the Murray-Darling Basin with over 100ML in entitlement.
- The Australian Government’s capital asset and expense deductions rules allow primary producers to immediately deduct the cost of water facilities that are primarily and principally for the purpose of conserving or conveying water.
- The NSW Drought Infrastructure Fund provides loans to meet the costs of carrying out capital works, including metering, that benefit the long-term profitability of businesses.
- The Australian Government's On Farm Connectivity Program provides rebates to farmers implementing connected machinery and sensor technology. Round 3 will open for applications later in 2025, with grant funding to be delivered in 2025-26. Email OFCP@infrastructure.gov.au to receive updates or more information.
Have any questions? Check out our FAQs or contact 1300 081 047 or water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au.
Document library and interactive tools
Current key documents and toolsÂ
- Metering Guidance Tool
- Frequently asked questions – March 2025 (PDF, 230.95 KB)
- Applying for an exemption fact sheet (works that cannot physically comply with the metering rules) (PDF, 141.35 KB)
- Exemption from the mandatory metering equipment condition:Application form (works that cannot physically comply with the metering rules) (PDF, 497.61 KB)
- Am I in a telemetry blackspot?
- Telemetry network coverage exemption form (PDF, 138.17 KB)
- Maintenance Specifications 2019 (PDF, 147.15 KB)
- Non-urban water meters conforming to AS4747 (Cth DCCEEW Revised July 2024)
- Report: Economic analysis of NSW metering regulation (PDF, 2687.04 KB)
- Floodplain harvesting measurement amendments fact sheet – February 2025 (PDF, 549.58 KB)
- Non-urban metering amendments fact sheet – March 2025 (PDF, 146.14 KB)
- Water Management (General) Amendment (Metering) Regulation 2025
Past documents – policies, reports, presentations and fact sheetsÂ
2024
- Video: Amendment to Water Management Regulation 2018 – December 2024
- Slides: Amendment of the metering rules in the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018 (PDF, 1903.88 KB)
- Discussion paper: Review of non-urban metering framework (PDF, 928.35 KB)
- Report: What we heard Review of non-urban metering framework – February (PDF, 1434.68 KB)
- Report: Review of non-urban metering submission – November 2023 (PDF, 10509.85 KB)
- Video: Non-urban metering recommendations report – September 2024
2023
- Video: Non-urban metering virtual field day roadshow – May 2023
- Slides: Southern Inland Roadshow presentation – May 2023 (PDF, 5695.49 KB)
- Report: Southern Inland Roadshow Report – May 2023 (PDF, 521.87 KB)
2022
- Fact sheet: Non-urban water metering in NSW – What water users need to know – July 2022 (PDF, 2459.1 KB)
- Slides: Metering and Measurement presentation (presented by the department and WaterNSW Customer Advisory Group) – March-April 2022 (PDF, 2017.39 KB)
- Fact sheet: NRAR Compliance approach – April 2022 (PDF, 272.7 KB)
- Video: Non-urban water metering virtual field day roadshow – April/May 2022
- Report: Southern Inland Roadshow Report – April/May 2022 (PDF, 281.39 KB)
- Video: Non-urban metering virtual field day roadshow – October 2022
- Report: Southern Inland Roadshow Report – October 2022 (PDF, 491.22 KB)
- Fact sheet: Non-urban water metering: conditions for water supply works – October 2022 (PDF, 279.84 KB)
2021
- Report: What we heard about the proposed reporting rules for metered water users – February 2021 (PDF, 172.36 KB)
- Report: Floodplain Harvesting Measurement and Non-Urban Water Metering – Roadshow Consultation Outcomes Report – April 2021 (PDF, 395.98 KB)
- Video: Non-urban metering virtual field day roadshow – October 2021
- Fact sheet: Frequently asked questions - Non-urban metering virtual field day – October 2021 (PDF, 173.29 KB)
2020 and prior
- Report: Independent investigation into NSW water management and compliance: Final report – November 2017 (PDF, 536.24 KB)
- Policy: Securing our water – NSW Government water reform action plan – December 2017 (PDF, 851.3 KB)
- Report: Water take measurement and metering – Consultation paper – March 2018 (PDF, 880.12 KB)
- Report: Industry Technical Forum on Water Metering and Telemetry – August 2018 (PDF, 4739.44 KB)
- Report: Water Reform Action Plan – Community consultation – What we heard report – June 2018 (PDF, 674.69 KB)
- Report: NSW Water Metering Consultation – What we heard – November 2018 (PDF, 6174.06 KB)
- Report: Metering Roadshow – What we heard report – October 2019 (PDF, 726.28 KB)
- Policy: NSW Non-urban metering policy – November 2020 (PDF, 648.4 KB)
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