The Approved Methods for the Sampling and Analysis of Water Pollutants in NSW (PDF 1.2MB) (Approved Methods) lists the sampling and analysis methods to be used to test for the presence or concentration of matter in water and the volume, depth and flow of water or wastewater, when complying with statutory requirements.
Implementation and transitional arrangements
The Approved Methods is an update of the 2004 version of the document. The updated document must be used when sampling and analysis of water pollutants are required for statutory purposes i.e. under a licence or notice condition.
The 2004 version may be used in certain planning situations where assessment requirements were issued before the updated document was released.
- See the implementation and transitional arrangements for details.
We developed the new Approved Methods for Sampling and Analysis of Water Pollutants in NSW after reviewing the 2004 version and holding a public consultation on proposed amendments.
The response to submissions (PDF 243KB) summarises stakeholder views we considered.
Key changes
Removed
- Methods for analytes that are not listed in licences or no longer appropriate See the summary of changes (PDF 377KB)
- Dates from the listed methods – the latest published version of the method always applies
Added
- More guidance on when the EPA needs to approve modifications and alternative methods
- More guidance on collecting and handling samples, and on what to include in reports
- Methods for analytes that are not currently listed but are used in licences. See the summary of changes (PDF 377KB)
- Additional approved methods for analytes (where they exist), to increase flexibility and options for sampling and analysis without compromising accuracy
- Record-keeping requirements
Other
- streamlining analytes and analyte groupings to avoid repetition
See frequently asked questions for more details.