Compliance and you
Section 91I - Taking water when the metering equipment is not operating properly or is not operating.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take water if my meter has stopped working?
No. If your metering equipment is not working you must immediately stop taking water.
How can I start taking water again?
You must obtain written authorisation from either State Water or the NSW Office of Water and comply with the conditions of the authorisation. An approved authorisation will allow you to take water for a short time until your metering equipment has been repaired or replaced.
Why do I have to stop taking water if the meter is not working?
Under the Water Management Act 2000 it is an offence to take water when the metering equipment is not operating properly or is not operating. Penalties apply.
What will happen if I continue to take water when the meter is not working?
If you do not have an authorisation in writing, or you do not comply with the conditions of an authorisation, then it is an offence to take water when the meter is not working and severe penalties can apply. Corporations can be liable to a penalty not exceeding $2,200,000 and individuals to a penalty of imprisonment and/or $1,100,000. Further penalties apply for each day the offence continues.
When can I take water again if my meter is not working?
You cannot take water again until you have repaired or replaced your metering equipment so that it is working properly, or you have received written authorisation to take water from State Water or the NSW Office of Water.
What is a written authorisation?
A written authorisation issued by State Water or the NSW Office of Water will allow you to take water for a short time until your metering equipment has been repaired or replaced. The authorisation will impose conditions which must be complied with.
How do I apply for an authorisation?
You must apply for an authorisation from State Water. You should complete the State Water application form (S91I Application Form) and submit it to State Water by:
| Post | Compliance Officer State Water PO Box 1018, Dubbo NSW 2830 |
| Fax | 1300 871 447 |
| compliance@statewater.com.au |
For more information phone State Water on 1300 662 077.
The exception is for water licence holders in the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment who should apply for an authorisation to the NSW Office of Water.
What if I have a water licence in the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment?
If you live in the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment you must apply for an authorisation from NSW Office of Water. Download an application form from the NSW Office of Water website and submit it to NSW Office of Water by:
| Post | Customer Programs NSW Office of Water PO Box 3720, Parramatta NSW 2124 |
| Fax | 9895 7501 |
| watercompliance@water.nsw.gov.au |
For more information phone NSW Office of Water on 1800 633 362.
How long will it take for my application to be assessed?
It is important that all aspects of the application form are completed. If you have provided all the required information your application will be assessed as quickly as possible. You will be notified whether your application has been approved or refused.
If your application has not been completed in full it will take longer to assess.
If your application is approved you can take water for a short period of time as long as you comply with the conditions set out in the authorisation. The short timeframe is to ensure you repair or replace your meter as quickly as possible.
How long will the authorisation be given for?
When your application is assessed your circumstances will be reviewed. Consideration will be given as to whether you have an alternative water flow meter or will use an engine hour meter or a kilowatt hour meter. Approval to estimate the volume of water taken will only be given for a short time in extreme circumstances.
What kind of conditions are on the authorisation?
One of the conditions on the authorisation will specify the alternative methods for recording water taken while the original meter is being repaired or replaced.
What does ‘alternative metering equipment’ mean?
The preferred alternative metering equipment is an alternative water flow meter.
However, if an alternative water flow meter is not readily obtainable then an engine hour meter or a kilowatt hour meter could be temporarily used. In these cases the officer assessing the application needs to be satisfied the meter is reasonably accurate.
Under extreme circumstances, such as potential crop loss, where an alternative meter is not available you may be given approval for a short time to estimate the volume of water taken, depending on the type of crop and weather conditions. This estimate will be calculated at the maximum extraction rate for the pump.
What records should I keep if my water meter stops working?
Before removing your meter to be repaired or replaced you must record:
- last reading of the meter to be repaired or replaced.
After repairing or replacing your meter you must record:
- first reading of the meter which has been repaired or replaced.
Your authorisation may also require you to keep records such as:
- first and final readings of the alternative meter
- readings of the alternative meter each time the pump is turned on and off
- dates of extraction, time when starting to pump and time when finishing pumping, ie. when the pump is turned on and off
- volume of water taken each time
- size of the pump
- area of land that has been irrigated (hectares)
- type of crop irrigated
What if my original meter cannot be repaired and I have to get a new meter?
If the metering equipment needs to be replaced the replacement metering equipment should meet the NSW Interim Water Meter Standards.
What happens when the authorisation expires?
If your metering equipment is still not working when your authorisation expires you must not take water. You are required to submit a new application and wait for approval before you can take water.
Can I apply for an extension of the authorisation?
Yes. However, you must apply for it to be extended before the authorisation expires. You must provide a letter or fax from a repairer which states that the meter is still at the shop and why more time is required for it to be repaired or replaced. If the extension is agreed to, the existing authorisation will be amended in writing.