Non-urban metering for installers, suppliers and irrigation businesses

A duly qualified person (DQP) is an approved installer authorised under the regulations to carry out specific metering work.  

DQPs are essential to getting meters installed and operating correctly. WaterNSW supports DQPs through the DQP Concierge Program, which offers personalised help with installations, validation and portal use. 

How to become a DQP? 

If you want to become a DQP who can install the typical metering setups for pumps and bores, there are two key pathways you can take: 

Different metering tasks must be carried out by different types of DQPs, depending on the equipment and where it is installed.

Below is a simple guide to who can do what. 

Closed conduit meters - full pipes, pumps and bores

Certified Meter Installers (CMIs) can carry out and certify all metering and LID work, while Trade Meter Installers (TMIs) can perform approved tasks within their recognised trade scope. 

Open channel meters - partially filled pipes, channels, flumes, weirs, regulators

Hydrographers remain responsible for most activities related to open channel meters including installation, maintenance, repairs, replacement, revalidation, and accuracy testing. 

The Australian Hydrographers Association trains, certifies and oversees the professional conduct of certified practising hydrographers.

To learn how to become a certified practising hydrographer, visit Australian Hydrographers Association.

Find DQP definitions under the regulation here.

There are three key pieces to a compliant metering setup: the meter, the telemetry device and the seal. The information below explains what’s approved, how equipment is assessed, and what installers must do to meet the rules.

Standard designs and a checklist are available to support common non-urban metering installations. These resources provide practical guidance for  DQPs and water users.

Note: The designs and checklist reflect industry best practice for typical closed conduit metering installations and may not be suitable for site specific or uncommon configurations. Please see Terms of Use.

Before starting work, it’s worth checking which water users are covered by the non‑urban metering rules. The metering guidance tool makes it easy to see who is affected, what actions are required, and when compliance is due.

More detailed information is available at: Non-urban metering for water users

Before you start work, it’s important to check your client’s water supply work approval and their work (pump/bore) details. Some older approvals may not be up to date, so always confirm the latest information using the NSW Public Water Register. If you need help, you can also watch the NSW Public Water Register video for step‑by‑step guidance.  

Getting the details right upfront helps you avoid delays and keep installations on track. If you need help checking approvals or work details, the DQP Concierge is available to support you.

Check telemetry coverage before installing  

Before installing an LID, site coverage must be confirmed.

The department provides a free online telemetry coverage tool to help DQPs and water users check whether a site has suitable mobile network coverage for telemetry.

If the mobile coverage is poor, first check with your LID supplier whether an antenna can improve the connection. If this isn't possible, your client may be eligible for an exemption where telemetry is required but cannot be installed due to limited network coverage. To qualify, the department must be notified using the telemetry exemption notification form.

For more information visit: Telemetry exemption and application

Free telemetry for clients in the Murray Darling Basin

If your clients are in the Murray–Darling Basin and must have telemetry installed, they may be eligible for a fully funded LID installation, or up to $2,000 cashback if you install it. This government funding removes most of the cost barrier, making it easier to help clients meet their non-urban metering requirements, while creating new installation opportunities for your business. For more information see: Telemetry Uplift Program.

Telemetry device approval pathway for suppliers

We welcome telemetry suppliers and manufacturers to work with us to support NSW’s non‑urban metering and floodplain harvesting requirements. Our Market Engagement Policy for Telemetry provides a clear, streamlined pathway for vendors to have their telemetry devices assessed and approved for use across NSW.

If you’re interested in getting your device listed or need guidance on the approval process, contact us at water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au.

For more information see: Financial support for metering

Opportunities for irrigation businesses and installers 

Non urban metering offers irrigation suppliers and installers a strong opportunity to support customers and grow their business through equipment supply, upgrades, and value added services. Contact the department for more information or request a meeting with our staff at metering@dcceew.nsw.gov.au 

Join the DQP Forum

The department, in collaboration with WaterNSW, is hosting a DQP Forum for DQPs, suppliers and irrigation businesses, covering all things metering.

This is your chance to ask WaterNSW and the department your questions and get the latest updates.

Haven’t received an invite?

Email metering@dcceew.nsw.gov.au  with the subject “Join DQP Forum” and we’ll add you to the list.