Appendix 1: Definitions

Data recording/ data logging

Recording of water use information. Water use readings may be made visually or automatically by a data logger.

Data reporting

Reporting of water use information to local authority or water manager. Information may be reported via telephone, fax, email, internet site or automatically via telemetry.

Flowrate, Q

Quotient of the actual volume of water passing through the measuring device and the time taken for this volume to pass through the measuring device. Expressed in megalitres per day, litres per second, cubic metres per hour or kilolitres per hour.

Telemetry

Literally "remote measurement". Telemetry describes any technology that allows data to be gathered and recorded without having to be at the location. Information is instead transmitted from measuring devices (such as flow measuring devices) using radio or cellular phone technology.

Water abstraction

Removal of water from a river, lake or aquifer.

Water measuring device

Any system or mechanism to calculate the volume of water passing through a pipe or channel over a period of time. It may include a water meter, a transducer to measure water levels, and associated equipment and installation including data loggers and transmitting devices.

Water permit

A consent to take, use, dam or divert water under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Catchment

A term covering both surface water catchments and groundwater aquifers.