A water allocation plan is being developed for the groundwater of the Northern Adelaide, Central Adelaide and Dry Creek prescribed wells areas (please see map). The plan will help the State government meet its commitment to allocate all water at sustainable levels. This was part of a national agreement which covers all water resources throughout Australia.
Why a water allocation plan?
A water allocation plan is part of a water management system. The Adelaide Plains water allocation plan will respond to the risks and threats associated with increasing use of groundwater in the prescribed areas. It is important to provide certainty to current and future water users and allocate the water fairly by taking into account the needs of all existing water users and the environment.
The current plan
There is a plan currently in the Northern Adelaide Plains which was adopted in 2000. Since then Kangaroo Flat was prescribed (2004) and added to the Northern Adelaide Plains prescribed wells area and Central Adelaide was prescribed in 2007. When a water resource is prescribed, a water allocation plan must be developed to manage the water resources of the system.
The new draft plan
The new draft plan will review and incorporate the existing Northern Adelaide Plains water allocation plan, as well as including the Central Adelaide and Dry Creek prescribed wells areas for the first time. Although these areas have not been incorporated into one plan before, research has shown that the aquifers under the areas are connected. The Board will develop a draft plan over the next twelve months involving groundwater users, other stakeholders and the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. During this time water users who have applied for licences in Central Adelaide and Kangaroo Flat will receive licences from the Department. Once a draft plan is written it will be consulted with the wider public.
Stay in touch
Community members on our water allocation plan advisory committees will provide input into the draft plan and advice on how to engage with their local communities. Even if you are not on an advisory committee you can provide input into the draft plan. To keep informed about the development of the plan through our newsletter and opportunities to get involved, please email apwap@sa.gov.au to subscribe.
Contact us
For more information about the planning process or general water affecting activity permit enquires (except for wells, using imported water for irrigation and using treated effluent) please call (08) 8273 9100 or email us at apwap@sa.gov.au. For more information about metering, water licences and authorisations, notice of prohibitions, prescriptions and water affecting activity permits for wells, using imported water for irrigation and using treated effluent, please telephone (08) 8463 6876 or email DEWNRMLRlicence@sa.gov.au.