Certify your water meter or device
Learn the steps you need to take to certify your water meter or measurement device.
What is certification
Certification is a regulatory process that ensures your device meets certain standards. This involves having your meter or measurement device inspected and certified by a duly qualified person (DQP).
A DQP can be a:
- certified meter installer and validator
- certified storage meter installer and validator
- telemetry installer and validator.
Prior to 2024, this certification process was referred to as meter validation.
The certification process exists to fulfil the requirements of the Queensland non-urban water measurement standards.
Accurate water measurement allows us to sustainably manage water resources and plan for the future.
If you do not certify your device by the due date, and you continue to take water, it is an offence under the Water Act 2000.
How to certify your device
While you can install some devices yourself, we recommend getting a DQP to install your device.
After your water meter or measurement device is installed, take the following steps to certify your device.
Step 1: Arrange an inspection
It is your responsibility to arrange the inspection of your measurement device.
Only a DQP can carry out this inspection.
Find a DQP by searching Irrigation Australia’s meter installer and validator register.
Make sure you engage a DQP who can certify your type of device.
Step 2: Receive your certificate
At inspection, the DQP will assess your device against the relevant measurement standards.
If your device successfully meets these standards, they will issue you with a copy of the compliance certificate.
This certificate confirms that your device is compliant and certified.
In the event your device fails inspection, your DQP will generally issue you a written notice of:
- why the device failed
- any repair, replacement or modifications needed to meet the standard.
Step 3: Send us a copy
Within 10 business days of issue, your DQP will send us a copy of the compliance certificate.
Step 4: After certification
After your device is certified, you must complete an ‘Information about water taken under an authorisation’ form.
We will send you this form with your reminder letter for installation and certification.
You must submit this form within 20 business days of the DQP inspecting your meter.
All meters and devices must be recertified at 5-year intervals from the date of the device's last certification.
You are required to keep a copy of any documents provided to you as part of the certification process. You must also keep maintenance records for each measurement device. We can request a copy of these records at any time.
Repair or replacement of your measurement device
If you need to replace or repair your device within the 5-year period, the certification cycle repeats. This means that you must start a new certification cycle for the new or replacement device.
Find a duly qualified person
Duly qualified persons (DQP) are professionals certified by Irrigation Australia Ltd (IAL). Search their meter installer and validator register to find a DQP.
Only a DQP can:
- inspect a measurement device
- issue a compliance certificate.
It is your responsibility to arrange the inspection of your device.
Information for duly qualified persons
All devices must meet the requirements of the Queensland non-urban measurement standard.
If you are a DQP use the standards, forms and lodgement information for your inspections.
Also consider...
- Submit a meter reading.
- Report a faulty device.
- Learn about the water metering program.
- Find information for duly qualified persons, including inspecting water devices, standards, forms and lodgement information.