In proclaimed areas under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 it is illegal to take water from a watercourse or groundwater aquifer without a licence.
Applications for water licenses are made through our regional offices. A licence does not guarantee that water is always available to be taken. During drought periods restrictions are applied so that the available water is shared and damage to the environment, the resource and users is minimised. Conditions are placed to define how and when water may be taken and to specify obligations the licence holder must meet when using the water.
Proclaimed Groundwater Areas
Proclaimed Surface Water Areas