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How to comply

If you are a water licence holder or use water, you must make sure you follow the rules. The rules are about taking, using, and managing water.

We will work with you to ensure you have all the information you need to become and stay compliant.

If you have a licence or approval to take water or do works near a water source, it is important you understand your responsibilities before you undertake any works or take any water.

In this section, you will find information about how to comply with water take and management rules

Fact sheets and FAQs

Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about compliance.

What to expect if NRAR contacts me

NRAR can contact you for different reasons and we will always explain clearly why we are getting in touch or visiting your property.

Compliance e-tool

Our user friendly e-tool helps you understand water-use obligations and makes complying with water laws easier.

Water metering

Find information about how to comply with the new metering rules.

Bore extraction limits

A bore extraction limit is the maximum amount of water you are approved to take using a bore from a groundwater source. Do you know your

Floodplain harvesting

The water regulator’s compliance approach floodplain harvesting.

Irrigated agriculture

Irrigated agriculture accounts for about 80 per cent of water take in NSW. Ensuring compliance in this area is a high priority for the

Overdrawn accounts

In NSW, you can’t take water now and pay it back later. Overdrawn accounts are one of NRAR's regulatory priorities, and we’re monitoring