To support the Action on healthy waterways package , the amended Resource Management (Measurement and Reporting of Water Takes) Regulations make real-time reporting of water use to councils mandatory for consented users.

The amendments mean that if you have a resource consent to take 5 litres or more of water per second (e.g. for irrigation) you will need to measure the water you take every 15 minutes and report this electronically to ORC on a daily basis. This is achieved using a telemetry system.

The introduction of this requirement is being staggered. You must comply within:

• Two years for consents to take 20 litres per second or more;
• Four years for consents to take between 10 and less than 20 litres per second;
• Six years for consents to take between 5 and less than 10 litres per second.

Note: Resource consent conditions may require telemetry before the dates outlined in the regulations.

Measuring and reporting water takes | Ministry for the Environment

Measuring and reporting water takes brochure | Ministry for the Environment

Verification of the accuracy of the equipment must be provided to us as part of your installation. It must be done by a council-approved supplier. Companies listed above can be used for this purpose.

Complete this form after installation of a new measuring device or datalogger for piped takes and when undertaking verification of an existing or new measuring device: 

Complete this form after installation of a new measuring device or datalogger for Open Channel takes and when undertaking verification of an existing or new measuring device: 

Complete this form if a water meter installation for a piped take cannot comply with the Otago Regional Council Standards and the Resource Management (Measurement and Reporting of Water Takes) Regulations 2010. This form is to be used once all alternative options have been investigated and the manufacturer/supplier can confirm that the selected system will operate adequately within the proposed installation setup.

The regulations require the water take to be:

1. measured at the point of take; and
2. reported daily.
   
   

You can apply to be exempted from either of 1 and 2, (or both) by applying for an Exemption Notice under the regulations.

All applications will be assessed on their merits, however, it is not expected that there will be many instances where an exemption from daily reporting will be able to be granted.

A deposit must be paid when the exemption application is made and additional costs will be incurred to process the application. These will be invoiced once processing is completed.

Please note: If you do not already have a water measuring device or system installed you will need to talk to a water metering company to determine the location closest to the point of take for water measuring device or system installation before lodging an application.

Please do not hesitate to contact watermetering@orc.govt.nz if you have any questions.