Large water users in Armidale and surrounding areas are being urged to prepare for new water metering requirements before a December deadline.
Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) field officers visited 20 properties across the Armidale area last week to help licence holders understand how to comply with non-urban water metering rules.
The December 1 deadline applies to large water users across six coastal water-sharing plan regions.
NRAR Director of Education and Engagement Keeley Reynolds said educational visits in other coastal areas had found many water users were unprepared for the deadline and risked breaching the rules.
“Coastal water users were given an extra two years to get ready for this deadline and it is now only months away,” Reynolds said.
“It’s the responsibility of each licence holder to find out what rules apply to them and act accordingly,” she said.
“As well as visiting many people face to face to help them get ready, we are also sending letters, working with industry groups and sharing important information through local advertising.
“But in the end, it’s up to water users to act. Don’t wait to see what happens. Take steps now to make sure you comply before the deadline. “
Large coastal water users have three options to comply with the metering rules: install an approved meter and telemetry device, apply for an eligible exemption or classify works in a category that does not require a meter.
Some exemptions apply automatically.
“Metering is important because good water management starts with good measurement. Ensuring accurate metering is installed for large users is about making sure water take is transparent and fair,” Reynolds said.
“We expect licence holders to meet their obligations and a fter the deadline passes, NRAR will enforce the rules. ”
NRAR, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and WaterNSW are continuing to provide information to help water users understand the requirements and their options for compliance.
Water users who are unsure whether the metering rules apply to them can check the NSW Government’s online metering guidance tool.
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