National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water) Determination 2026

Administered by Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Legislation au F2026L00240 In force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Issued by the authority of the Chief Metrologist

National Measurement Act 1960

National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water) Determination 2026

Purpose and Operation

The purpose of the National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water) Determination 2026 (the determination) is to legally define the magnitude of the density of water to support legally traceable measurements that depend on the value of that physical quantity.

The position of Chief Metrologist is established, and the functions of the Chief Metrologist identified, in section 18A of the National Measurement Act 1960 (the Act). Subsection 8A(1) of the Act gives the Chief Metrologist the power to determine that magnitudes of physical quantities specified in the determination and magnitudes of physical quantities as ascertained in accordance with a formula set out in the determination shall be recognized-value standards of measurement.

Subsection 8A(4) of the Act provides that a recognized-value standard of measurement is not subject to verification. This means that the magnitude of the physical quantity of the recognized-value standard is deemed to be that which is determined by the Chief Metrologist. A recognized-value standard of measurement is not determined by reference to, comparison with, or derivation from another standard of measurement.

The determination specifies the magnitudes of the density of water specified in Schedule 1 and in accordance with the formulas set out in the determination.

The determination will support applications including, the calibration and certification of volume and flow metering systems and the production of certified reference materials.

The costs associated with incorporating the remade values of density of water into the operations of users of precise legally traceable measurement of density of water are negligible, and form part of the normal cost of maintaining up-to-date capabilities for these stakeholders.

The National Measurement Act 1960 - Determination by the National Standards Commission - Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Density - Water, made by the National Standards Commission, dated 21 March 1985 (1985 determination), is repealed in the determination pursuant to subsection 8A(2) of the Act.

Following the creation of the National Measurement Institute in 2004, which incorporated the functions of the National Standards Commission, the 1985 determination continued to remain in force. The magnitudes of the density of water specified in the 1985 determination are maintained and remade in the 2026 determination. The 2026 determination reflects that the National Measurement Institute now carries out the functions that were previously the responsibility of the National Standards Commission, and that it is the Chief Metrologist who is authorised to make the determination.

Further details of the determination are outlined in Attachment A.

Authority

The determination is made by the Chief Metrologist, National Measurement Institute, under paragraphs 8A(1)(a) and (b) of the Act. The determination is a legislative instrument for the purposes of section 8 of the Legislation Act 2003 (Cth).

Consultation

The National Measurement Institute undertook a public consultation from 24 November to 24 December 2025 to inform the remade 2026 determination. The remake does not change the density of water values specified in the 1985 determination. It updates the instrument to reflect that the determination is now made by the National Measurement Institute, through the Chief Metrologist. The consultation was targeted towards stakeholders who currently reference the 1985 determination, including government agencies, measurement laboratories, and industry bodies. Three submissions were received, each of which supported the instrument to be remade. 

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

A Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights is set out at Attachment B.

Attachment A

Details of the National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water) Determination 2026

Section 1—Name

This section provides that the name of the determination is the National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water) Determination 2026.

Section 2—Commencement

This section provides that the determination commences the day after registration.

Section 3—Authority

This section provides that the authority for the making of the determination is paragraphs 8A(1)(a) and (b) of the National Measurement Act 1960 (the Act).

Section 4— Schedules

This section is a machinery provision that gives effect to the provisions in the Schedules to the determination.

Section 5— Definitions

This section sets out the terms referred to in the determination as follows:

 Act means the National Measurement Act 1960.

The legislative note makes clear that ‘Recognized-value standard of measurement has the same meaning as in the Act.

Section 6—Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water

This section sets out how the recognized-value standard of the Density of Water is determined in different scenarios depending on the temperature and mean pressure.

Schedule 1 – The Density of Water in Kilograms per Cubic Metre as a Function of Temperature in Degrees Celsius

This Schedule 1 is a table setting out the density of water in kilograms per cubic metre from 0.0 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius in 0.1 degrees Celsius increments.

Schedule 2—Repeals

Item 1 repeals the National Measurement Act 1960 - Determination by the National Standards Commission - Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water (FRLI Ref: F2009B00179).

Attachment B

 

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011

National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water) Determination 2026

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Overview of the Legislative Instrument

The National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water) Determination 2026 supports the national measurement system by formalising the values of the density of water.

Human Rights Implications

This Legislative Instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.

Conclusion

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.

 

Dr Victoria Anne Coleman

Chief Metrologist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overview

The National Measurement Act 1960, enacted to provide a legislative framework for national measurement standards in Australia, introduced the concept of recognized-value standards of measurement to ensure consistency and traceability in measurements across various sectors. The Act established the role of the Chief Metrologist and delegated the power to define certain magnitudes of physical quantities, including the density of water, which is crucial for numerous applications such as the calibration of volume and flow metering systems and the production of certified reference materials. The 2026 Determination updates the 1985 values to reflect current standards and the transfer of responsibilities from the National Standards Commission to the National Measurement Institute, ensuring that the determination remains relevant and effective. This determination aims to support legally traceable measurements that depend on the value of the density of water, facilitating the operations of government agencies, measurement laboratories, and industry bodies.

Scope and Application

The National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water) Determination 2026 serves to legally define the magnitude of the density of water, ensuring the traceability of measurements dependent on this physical quantity. This determination applies to entities and individuals engaged in activities that require precise measurement of water density, such as government agencies, laboratories, and industries relying on volume and flow metering. The geographic scope of the Act is national, impacting stakeholders across Australia. The Chief Metrologist, under the authority granted by the National Measurement Act 1960, has the power to establish these recognised-value standards, which are deemed final and not subject to verification against other standards. This legislative instrument updates the 1985 determination, reflecting the shift in responsibility from the National Standards Commission to the Chief Metrologist, National Measurement Institute. The costs for users to incorporate these remade values are minimal, being part of the routine operational expenses for those requiring precise measurement capabilities. The determination repeals the 1985 instrument but maintains the same density values, ensuring continuity and consistency in measurement standards.

Key Provisions

The National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water) Determination 2026 is a legislative instrument under the National Measurement Act 1960, which establishes the legally binding values for the density of water. Section 6 of the Determination specifies how the recognized-value standard of the density of water is determined, varying with different temperatures and mean pressures. Schedule 1 provides a detailed table of the density of water in kilograms per cubic metre from 0.0 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius in increments of 0.1 degrees Celsius. The purpose of this Determination is to support legally traceable measurements that rely on the precise value of the density of water, such as in the calibration and certification of volume and flow metering systems and the production of certified reference materials. The Determination imposes obligations on entities that rely on precise measurements of the density of water to ensure that their practices align with the recognized-value standards specified. This includes using the values provided in Schedule 1 for their temperature-specific measurements and ensuring that their measurement systems are calibrated and certified against these standards. Additionally, any party using these values for legal or commercial purposes must adhere to the standards set forth in the Determination. The Determination also repeals the previous National Measurement Act 1960 - Determination by the National Standards Commission - Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water (1985 determination) and updates the authority under which the determination is made to reflect the current functions of the National Measurement Institute and the Chief Metrologist. There are no specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach outlined in the Determination itself. However, failure to comply with the recognized-value standards of measurement specified in the Determination could potentially lead to legal disputes or challenges in courts where precise measurements are required. The recognized-value standards are deemed final and not subject to verification, meaning any deviation from these standards could result in disputes regarding the accuracy and legality of measurements used in various applications. The costs associated with incorporating these remade values into operations are minimal and are considered part of the normal cost of maintaining precise measurement capabilities.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.