Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Regulation of Water in NSW



Why is water regulated so heavily in Australia and NSW?
1. Maintain water quality for all users
2. Allow time for recharge of  bore water supplies
3.Reduction of feral animals/weeds
4.Water flows can be seasonal or variable depending on whether the area is in drought or not.
5.Ensures that the environment in and around waterways is not degraded, resulting in further declines of water quality

As a result, if you capture more than 10% of the total rainfall on your property (rural, and feeding into a creek or river), you need a water license. If you draw on a waterway on or adjacent to your property you need a license.  If you take water from under your property you should have a license.

Licences were issues on a 15 year basis in 2002.  They are non transferable to other rivers etc and will be renewed on application.  They can be bought and sold on the market.  Once sold, you lose your right to take water other than rainfall.  The allocated water is measured from a meter attached to pumps or pipes.  Any meter tampering results in immediate  loss of license.  Excess water consumption one year may lead reductions in allocated water the next year.

 

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