Flowmeter FAQ
What is a flowmeter?
- A manufactured instrument for accurately measuring and recording the flow of water in a pipeline.
Is a flowmeter required on my well?
- In accordance with Agency Ordinance Code Chapter 3.0 and Resolution 2019-2, all non-exempt wells within Fox Canyon’s boundaries are required to install and maintain meters.
- Flowmeters are not required on inactive wells as defined in the Agency Ordinance Code Chapter 3.1.1, nor are flowmeters required for extraction facilities supplying a single-family dwelling on one acre or less, with no income producing operations. Please see the annual Flowmeter Exemption Form, available on https://fcgma.org/agency-forms/.
Where do I find related ordinance or resolution information?
- Find ordinance information, including the Agency Ordinance Code, the AMI Ordinance, and the AMI Domestic Operator Exemption Ordinance, at https://fcgma.org/ordinances/
- Find Agency resolutions, including Resolutions 2018-01 and 2019-02, at https://fcgma.org/resolutions/
Once the flowmeter is installed, do I need to do anything else?
- The next step is to install an AMI device on your flowmeter through an AMI Vendor of your choice. The AMI Vendor list is available on the Forms page at https://fcgma.org/agency-forms/.
- Moving forward, ensure the meter is in compliance with calibration requirements and that you are reporting your extractions on time through Semi-Annual Extraction Statements.
Is there an approved Calibration Contractor list?
- Yes. Please refer to the list of Approved Flowmeter Calibration Contractors on the “Flowmeter Forms” drop-down section of the Forms page at https://fcgma.org/agency-forms/.
How often do I need to calibrate my flowmeter?
- In accordance with Resolution 2019-2 all groundwater extraction flowmeters shall be tested for accuracy every three years to demonstrate accuracy within a range of plus or minus 5%.
Who can help me read my meter?
- Log into your online account at FCGMAOnline.org and head to your SAES reporting page to access an extensive library of meter models per manufacturer for aid in reading your meter. Refer to the Online User Guide for assistance.
- Contact your meter manufacturer for further assistance.
- Contact FCGMA if your meter make and model is not included in the library of meters at FCGMA.Flowmeter@venturacounty.gov.
Is my flowmeter “Inactive,” and how should I notify the Agency?
- An “Inactive Well” means a well is pumped no more than 8 hours during any 12-month period.
- To notify the agency, an Annual Flowmeter Exemption Form must be submitted for approval and completed annually to ensure continued exemption. Visit the Forms page at https://fcgma.org/agency-forms/.
- Submit the completed form to FCGMA.Flowmeter@venturacounty.gov for staff processing.
- Inactive wells must still submit Semi-Annual Extraction Reporting Statements to report any or no extractions during the applicable statement period.
How do I notify the Agency if my Domestic Well meets the Annual Flowmeter Exemption requirements?
- To notify the Agency, an Annual Flowmeter Exemption Form must be submitted every year for approval and completed annually to ensure continued exemption. Visit the Forms page at https://fcgma.org/agency-forms/.
- Submit the completed form to FCGMA.Flowmeter@venturacounty.gov for staff processing.
- Flowmeter Exemption Forms do not exempt you from groundwater reporting requirements.
What do I do if my flowmeter failed and needs to be repaired or replaced?
- Contact your flowmeter manufacturer for follow-up actions regarding repair or replacement.
- Review sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of the Agency Ordinance Code. Agency Ordinances can be found at https://fcgma.org/ordinances/.
- Written notification shall be provided to the Agency at least two weeks prior to any planned maintenance requiring removal and reinstallation of the flowmeter.
- All repairs or replacements must be documented using the Flowmeter Update Form and submitted to FCGMA.Flowmeter@venturacounty.gov.
- A Groundwater Estimate must be completed providing the total extractions for duration of the meter failure. The Groundwater Estimate is included in the Flowmeter Update Form, which is available on the Forms page.
- Contact an approved flowmeter calibration contractor to calibrate your repaired/replaced meter. Approved calibration contractors are listed on the Forms page.
- Visit the Forms page at https://fcgma.org/agency-forms/.
What documents do I need to submit for a Groundwater Estimate?
- Acceptable documentation is explained on the instructions of the required Flowmeter Update Form: include a calculation of water use provided by the Operator. This may include AMI extraction reports, a copy of the time sheet usage or irrigation log showing irrigation dates and runtimes, historical extraction reports, or Southern California Edison electric bills.
- Visit the Forms page for the FMU form and instructions at https://fcgma.org/agency-forms/.
Where do I find the forms I need?
Under the “AMI Forms” drop-down menu on https://fcgma.org/agency-forms/:
- AMI Vendor List
- AMI Update Form
Under the “Flowmeter Forms” drop-down menu on https://fcgma.org/agency-forms/:
- Flowmeter Update Form
- Flowmeter Update Form Instructions
- Spanish Language Flowmeter Update Forms
- Flowmeter Calibration Form
- Approved Calibration Contractors
- Flowmeter Exemption Form
Who do I contact with questions about flowmeters?
Email questions to FCGMA.flowmeter@venturacounty.gov. Include your State Well Number (SWN) in the email subject line.