Access to Surface Water

Rights to Surface Water The Water Act 1989 details various rights and responsibilities to water of the Crown, Water Authorities and individual water users. Development Opportunities The Water Market The Water Act 1989 provides for the transfer of Water Entitlements between users, promoting efficient water use and encouraging the use of water to its highest economic benefit. Farm Dam Construction Requirements Constructing dams, weirs and erosion control structures on private land imposes legal obligations and liabilities for dam safety. Where appropriate, the protection of fish passage and aquatic habitat is also required.

Private diverters operate their own pumps directly from rivers. River Murray near Robinvale, 1990 Photo: Mal Brown

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