New Resolution on telemetry monitoring in large and medium-sized users of water resources
Within the framework of Law No. 18.610 on National Water Policy, which establishes that water resources must be managed in an integrated manner, ensuring their use, control and administration, and the need to implement an automated system for continuous surveillance and monitoring of water use, Resolution No. 970/025 for telemetry monitoring in large and medium-sized water resource users, drafted by the National Water Directorate of the Ministry of Environment, was approved on 25 July. It was published in the Official Gazette on 4 August.
This system allows the automated and continuous monitoring of water use remotely, allowing to know the volume and flow used in real time, through the acquisition and transfer of data remotely (telemetry system), which is reported to the Ministry of Environment.
The provision of this information will improve the management of Uruguay's water resources.
Those covered by this resolution will have to take flow and volume measurements every 60 minutes and transmit the information to the Ministry of Environment on a daily basis. DINAGUA will establish the technical specifications, instructions and the list of affected parties.
To whom does the resolution apply?
Public or private holders of public water permits or concessions, including hydraulic works, are subject to the resolution:
- Drilling for the exploitation of groundwater with the following characteristics:
- Flow ≥ 50 m³/h for industrial uses, filling of tanks and reservoirs, tourism and recreation.
- Flow rate ≥ 10 m³/h and annual volume ≥ 50.000 m³ for irrigation, or ≥ 25.000 m³ for commercial, service, fire control or other agricultural uses other than irrigation.
- Flow ≥ 10 m³/h for population supply.
- Any annual flow or volume for thermal use.
- Intakes and surface water reservoirs with an annual volume ≥ 2,000,000 m³.
This new monitoring obligation is aligned with the sustainable management of water resources that is imposed as a matter of national sovereignty to ensure their long-term availability.
