Water is a precious resource and there is a limit to how much is available for human use.
It is important to provide certainty to current and future users of water, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on it. A water allocation plan (WAP) provides that certainty.
A WAP aims to ensure that the area’s water resources are allocated fairly, taking into account the needs of all water users and the environment. This involves limiting how much water can be taken from each groundwater aquifer and river system.
WAPs give consideration to environmental water requirements and economic development as well as identifying areas where development may strain existing resources.
Perspectives from the farm
Two landholders give their perspectives on Water Allocation Plans and how these Plans have impacted on their farm management. Their views are an interesting contribution to recent discussions on water allocation planning in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Read more here:
Perspectives from the farm
The water allocation planning process
WAPs in this region are the responsibility of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board.
The Board works with water users, stakeholder groups and the general community in developing WAPs.
The following issues are investigated:
- available scientific data on the area’s rainfall and runoff
- surface water systems such as rivers
- groundwater systems and how they interact with each other and surface water systems
- water usage current rates of water usage in the area including domestic, agriculture, industry and environmental uses
- how much water is required to maintain the environment at a low level of risk
- potential demand for water
- ‘hot spots’ where it may be necessary to manage water extraction to avoid over use.
On completion of a WAP, water allocations are determined for the use of each groundwater aquifer and river system. These allocations will be determined scientifically, taking into account available water supplies.
WAPs are ‘living’ plans that are reviewed at least every five years.
The region's WAPs have been developed in accordance with the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (formerly the Water Resources Act 1997).
Prescribed water areas
A prescribed water resource is one managed through an allocation and licensing system. In a prescribed wells area the focus is on ground water. In a prescribed water resources area the focus is on both ground and surface water. Areas in which there is no current allocation and licensing system are described as non- prescribed. See the map below.
Map of Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges region's prescribed wells, prescribed water resources areas and non-prescribed water resources area
Click map to download high resolution version
