1. (a) A measurement device must be all of the following to be a “meter” used to measure groundwater extractions from the well for purposes of section 1040, subdivision (a)(1)(A):

   1. (1) Equipped with a totalizer that:

      1. (A) Records the total volume of groundwater extracted from the well.
      2. (B) Records readings in units of acre-feet, cubic feet, or gallons.
      3. (C) Uses a sufficient number of digits or multipliers to prevent rollover or inaccurate readings.
   2. (2) Permanently attached to the well discharge pipe between the point of extraction and the point of delivery for beneficial use. The totalizer must be situated between the point of extraction and the point of delivery with no intervening diversions or bends in the discharge pipe.
   3. (3) Calibrated to an accuracy of within five (5) percent by volume. The calibration must be conducted by a qualified individual upon installation and at least once every five years thereafter, or more frequently if necessary to ensure accuracy is maintained. Proof of calibration must also be submitted from the time the totalizing flow meter is installed, and every five years thereafter. A pre-calibrated flow-meter need not be inspected upon installation. For purposes of this paragraph, a meter installed prior to November 4, 2024 may be considered in compliance with the requirement for calibration upon installation if the person required to report does not have evidence of calibration at installation and provides proof of calibration within the one year from when reporting under Water Code section 5202 is triggered or the well owner or operator becomes subject to metering requirements, whichever comes first.
   4. (4) Installed, maintained, operated, inspected, and monitored to ensure the accuracy requirement of subdivision (3).
   5. (5) Installed in a manner such that it is readily accessible for reading, inspection, testing, repair and replacement.
   6. (6) Reasonably accessible and available for inspection by an authorized representative of the board upon request.
   7. (7) The totalizer must be incapable of moving backwards or otherwise deviating from its actual value without obvious and apparent signs of tampering.
2. (b) The board may conduct a field inspection or request additional information from the extractor to determine if a meter is properly installed and meets the requirements of this section. Failure to provide reasonable access for an inspection or to provide records of calibration by a qualified individual upon request by the board is a sufficient basis for the board to determine that a meter has not been used to measure groundwater extractions for purposes of section 1040, subdivision (a)(1)(A).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 1058, 1529.5, 1530, 5107, 5208 and 10736(d)(3), Water Code. Reference: Sections 1529.5, 1530 and 5202(f), Water Code.

History

1. New section filed 6-29-2017 as an emergency; operative 6-29-2017 (Register 2017, No. 26). Pursuant to Water Code section 1030, this emergency regulation shall remain in effect until revised by the Board.

2. Amendment filed 11-8-2023 as an emergency; operative 11-8-2023 (Register 2023, No. 45). Pursuant to Water Code section 1530 this emergency regulation shall remain in effect until revised by the board.

3. Amendment of subsection (a)(3) filed 11-4-2024 as an emergency; operative 11-4-2024 (Register 2024, No. 45). Pursuant to Water Code section 1530, this emergency regulation shall remain in effect until revised by the Board.