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Water metering information

The abstraction of freshwater in New Zealand is managed under the Resource Management Act 1991 to protect the environment. Water users generally have to apply for resource consents to take fresh water from its source. As part of the consent the volume of water abstracted must be recorded. This water take data is critical for Environment Southland to manage the freshwater resource in Southland effectively. This includes making efficient use of allocated water, managing groups of water users, monitoring compliance as well as understanding our water resources and ecosystem responses allowing us to plan for the future.

Abstraction volume reporting

In November 2010 the Resource Management Regulations 2010 (Measurement and Reporting of Water Takes) came into effect, applying to water permits taking 5 litres per second or more. Since 10 November 2016, water takes of 5 litres/sec or more need to be measured and reported.

In 2020 an amendment was made to the Measurement and Reporting of Water Takes Regulations requiring all water permit holders with a maximum rate of water abstraction greater or equal to 5l/s to measure the volume of water every 15 minutes and report it to council daily. These requirements apply to all water takes with a rate of abstraction of 5l/sec or more, with implementation staged over time:

(a) 3 September 2022 for a water permit for ≥20 litres/second:

(b) 3 September 2024 for a water permit for ≥10 but <20 litres/second:

(c) 3 September 2026 for a water permit for ≥5 but <10 litres/second.

If you have a consent to abstract water and these requirements apply to you please contact a water meter installation professional and data management service provider to set up daily electronic reporting of your water abstraction data. If you have any questions about this you can contact the Resource Management team on EScompliance@es.govt.nz or 0800 768645.

Water meter verification

Water meters are required to be verified as measuring accurately by either a resource consent or the Measurement and Reporting of Water Takes Regulations 2010 and the 2020 amendment. Meters need to be verified after installation and at a minimum, after no more than 5 years. You may be required to undertake a verification more often if required by your resource consent. Verifications usually involve comparing the volume of water measured by your meter and comparing it to a portable test meter.

You can find a list of suitably qualified contractors to undertake a verification here. If you wish to use an alternative contractor or alternative method of verification please contact the Resource Management team (on EScompliance@es.govt.nz)

To find how to submit water data

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