Regulator cracks down on water take through unapproved meters

The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (DRDMW) has put metered entitlement holders on notice with a number of non-urban meters still not validated by last November’s deadline.

As Queensland’s Water Regulator, the department is beginning random audits on properties across the Coastal Burnett, Condamine, Lockyer Valley, and Cressbrook Creek areas to ensure water is not being taken through unapproved meters.

The action comes with over 1,000 meters yet to be validated, following more than 12 months of notifications and reminders to entitlement holders.

DRDMW South Region Executive Director Hamish Butler said that users found to be taking water through unapproved meter works would be in breach of the Water Act 2000.

“If they have not already done so, I urge entitlement holders who have not validated their meter, or those who believe they do not need to get their meter validated, to contact the department immediately to make sure they are compliant,” Mr Butler said.

“Accurate water measurement is critical so that Queensland communities can feel confident in the informed, transparent and sustainable use and management of local water resources.

“Ensuring a valid meter has been properly installed, meets modern standards and is accurately measuring water take is a legislated requirement that supports this.

“Entitlement holders who have not validated their meter do not have an approved meter through which they can legally take water – doing so is an offence under the Water Act and risks compliance action.”

Those found to be in breach of the Water Act may face fines up to $3,096 for individuals and up to $15,480 for corporations.

In some areas, meters have not been revalidated since they were installed in 2014 and best practice requires that meters are checked and validated every five years.

“You can’t manage water effectively if you can’t measure it accurately.

“Equipment needs to be checked to make sure it still operates correctly and that’s what this compliance crackdown is all about,” Mr Butler said.

Entitlement holders can contact the department via QMDBMetering@rdmw.qld.gov.au or ring the metering hotline (07) 3330 5441. More information about metering rules and due dates for installation and/or validation is available via www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/water/consultations-initiatives/strengthened-water-metering-standards.

More information on the department’s role as a regulator is available via: www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/water/regulatory-role.

-ENDS-

Contact DRDMW Media Unit:

E: media@rdmw.qld.gov.au
M: 0457 228 028