Water Regulator Visiting Large Water Users In Cowra

Officers from the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) will visit the properties of high-volume water users in the Cowra area over the next few of months to check compliance with the nonurban metering rules.

Inland water users with pumps over 100mm and bores over 200mm, with a total linked water entitlement of 100 ML or greater, are overdue to comply with the metering rules.

Ian Bernard, Director of Regulatory Initiatives at NRAR, said he expects to find that water users have done the right thing when officers arrive on properties in Cowra starting this week.

“The southern inland, including Cowra and surrounds, have now had more than a year to take action,” said Mr Bernard.

“These property visits are about making sure high-volume water users are meeting their obligations and have compliant metering equipment in place.”

The regulator is focused on the largest water users in the state as they have the greatest potential to harm water sources and the ecosystems and communities that depend on them.

“If you aren’t following the rules, NRAR will know about it. Make sure you have accurate metering equipment in place and have met all of the requirements to become compliant.”

“We will continue to monitor compliance and take a firm but fair approach to those found to be in breach of the metering rules.”

NRAR has already begun taking enforcement action for breaches of the metering rules. For the northern and southern inland, in the 2023-24 financial year, this included 43 official cautions, 20 warning letters and 97 directions.

To find out more about the NSW metering rules and how to comply, visit NRAR’s metering page on their website.