Darwin rural water regulation strategy

The water resources in the Darwin rural water control district (WCD) do not have large storages and are in high demand.

The Darwin rural water regulation strategy aims to improve water resource management in the Darwin rural WCD.

Better management will:

• ensure water security for domestic and stock purposes
• support existing and future development.

Key elements and actions

The strategy has 4 key elements that work together to improve water security in the Darwin rural WCD.

Below are the key elements and actions of the strategy.

Regulatory reform

Two changes to the Water Act 1992:

• provide a streamlined and free avenue for eligible Darwin rural water users to apply for a water extraction licence
  • find out how to apply on the NT Government website
• limit over-allocation through new restricted water extraction areas.

Recalibrate allocations

• Review of the 112 groundwater resources zones.
• Review the estimated domestic allocation of 3.5ML per land title, which is currently used to manage water distribution.
• Public communications on promoting water efficiency.

Regulate unlawful water use

• Streamlined, free application process available for eligible applicants for 2 years from 1 August 2023.
• Prioritise engagement with water users in the Darwin rural area.
• Officers will conduct site inspections and make direct contact with unlicensed water users.
• From 31 July 2025, compliance and enforcement action will be considered for those water users who must be licensed but fail to apply for a licence during this time.

Recover excess water

• Review of the reported water usage of current licence holders NT-wide.
• Current licence holders that meet the criteria of water recovery will be notified and invited to respond before a decision to recover water is made.
• Recovery of water will become an ongoing standard process.

Implementation

The Department of Environment, Parks and Water Resources will lead the strategy implementation over 3 years.

Water resource officers will be available to assist all water users in determining their licensing and planning requirements.

Read the strategies

• Darwin Rural Water Regulation Strategy 2023-26 PDF (479.7 KB)
• Strategy summary PDF (83.9 KB)

Contact

If you have any questions, contact your local Water Resources office.