Queensland’s strengthened water metering standards

We’re strengthening the way we measure non-urban water take across Queensland to ensure our water resources are sustainably managed and best support water users and the environment.

• Find your due dates for validating existing water meters or installing and validating new water meters.

With our water metering program underway, we’re improving the standard and coverage of non-urban water meters in Queensland. This has been informed by careful consideration of feedback from the Queensland community, as well as economic and technical reviews.

Modern water meters are a more accurate and transparent way of making sure all water users – whether they get their water using river pumps or underground bores – can take and use their share of this precious resource.

Consistent and standardised water metering, recording and reporting means water users and the community can be confident that water resources are being managed transparently and sustainably for the benefit of rural Queenslanders.

To find out more about the Non-urban water measurement policy and implementation visit - www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/metering.

Benefits of water metering

Water meter technology has advanced, and some manufacturers have had their meters certified by the National Measurement Institute. This certification provides greater confidence for users and the department in that the meter has been tested and is accredited to provide accurate meter reads.

Benefits to improved water metering include:

• Water users know how much water they use and can improve their water use efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Government knows how much water is being used across the Queensland to make better water planning decisions about the resource. For example, more water can be made available in areas to support business growth.
• Better data to ensure we’re sustainably managing environmental water needs.
• More information that lets us take compliance action to address misuse, so everyone can be confident that water is being used sustainably.

What you need to do

Water entitlement holders will be notified 12 months beforehand by the department if they need to install a new water meter, or if their existing meters need to be revalidated to meet the current metering standards.

Meters must be inspected by a certified meter installer (CMI) who will issue a Meter Validation Certificate, which must then be submitted to the department. CMIs are accredited by Irrigation Australia Limited and can be found by visiting www.irrigationaustralia.com.au.

If the entitlement holder continues to take water through works without a validated meter attached, this will be an offence under the Water Act 2000 and penalties apply.

When you need to comply

Due dates for new meter installs and meter validations are listed below. For more information or assistance, contact your local business centre by phoning 13QGOV (13 74 68).