NRAR checks water law compliance in the Tumut region

Outreach officers from the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) will be in the Tumut region next week to support water users trying to comply with NSW water laws.

The independent water regulator expects to visit about 50 properties during the week.

NRAR Director Education and Engagement, Keeley Reynolds, said site visits help water users to comply, give them confidence to meet their obligations, and equip them with the right information for their situation.

“This is about helping landholders to understand key aspects of water management while offering support and guidance so they can comply with the rules,” Ms Reynolds said.

“We know the majority of people want to do the right thing, and we want to help them get there.”

When NRAR officers visit a property, they typically meet with the owner and then check such things as logbooks, the way works are constructed and how water is being used on the property.

Water users in the Tumut area have until 1 June 2023 to install compliant meters and NRAR officers can help ensure they meet this fast-approaching deadline.

The region falls within the Murrumbidgee Water Sharing Plan (WSP) area and the Murrumbidgee River catchment, which stretches from the Snowy Mountains in the southeast and extends to the Riverine plain in the west.

During both 2021 and 2022, alleged offences related to taking too much water or not having a compliant meter were the most common found in the Murrumbidgee WSP area.

“By 1 June this year, landholders in this region with surface water pumps more than 100mm and groundwater bores more than 200mm need to have installed a fully compliant meter to measure their water use,” Ms Reynolds said.

“Our officers can answer all your questions and point you in the right direction to comply.”

The Department of Planning and Environment has developed a metering guidance tool to help water users determine if they need to meet the new rules.