Water Management
Two-Part Unregulated Tariff
IPART's 2006-2010 water pricing determination allows for unregulated river users to be charged on the basis of their usage not just their entitlement. This means that they will be subject to a two-part charging structure for their water management bills – there will be a fixed charge based on entitlement and a variable charge based on usage.
Irrigators with entitlement-based licences and who already have their own meters may now elect to be charged on a Two-Part Unregulated Tariff (TPUT) The different rates are shown in the tables for the water management charges for unregulated rivers. Irrigators who elect to be charged on a TPUT basis will be required to supply regular water meter readings to the Department.
Who can elect to be charged on a TPUT basis?
If you are an irrigator and hold a water licence (under either the Water Act 1912 or the Water Management Act 2000) on an unregulated river and believe that you have, or intend to install, a meter which satisfies the Department's requirements you may apply for the TPUT.
This option only applies to licences held for irrigation and does not apply, for example, to licences held for domestic and stock use or for town water supply.
What is an unregulated river?
In NSW a regulated river is one that has been declared by the Minister, and includes those rivers with major storages which provide water mainly for irrigation. All other rivers are unregulated.
What is a satisfactory meter?
Any water meter that is not installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications is unlikely to be approved by the Department. Current standards for metering are available and water users should also check the conditions set out on their own licence. Checks and inspections may also be undertaken by the Department to ensure a meter is satisfactory and is giving accurate readings.
How to elect?
Irrigators who wish to elect to be charged on the basis of the TPUT must fill out the Election to be Billed Form (PDF 146KB) and return it to their local office of the Department of Water and Energy.
For more information see Water management charges – irrigators on unregulated rivers (PDF 69KB).
Once an election to move to the TPUT basis of charging has been made, an irrigator may NOT revert back the previous charge basis.
What if an irrigator does not have a meter?
The licensee will continue to be charged on the basis of their entitlement volume or area. In the future the Department may seek to improve water usage monitoring in unregulated river systems and may advise licensees of the activation of a condition on their licence that requires a meter to be installed.
Once a meter is installed, the licensee can then make application to the Department to be charged on the TPUT.
What if no election is made at the present time?
The licensee will continue to be charged on the basis of their entitlement volume or area. An application to elect to be charged on the TPUT can be made at any time.