This Part sets out general principles for regulating water use. Water use is defined broadly, and includes taking and storing water, activities which reduce stream flow waste discharges and disposals, controlled activities (activities which impact detrimentally on a water resource), altering a watercourse, removing water found underground for certain purposes, and recreation. In general a water use must be licensed unless it is listed in Schedule 1, is an existing lawful use, is permissible under a general authorisation, or if a responsible authority waives the need for a licence. The Minister may limit the amount of water which a responsible authority may allocate. In making regulations the Minister may differentiate between different water resources, classes of water resources and geographical areas.

21. Water use

22. Permissible water use

23. Determination of quantity of water which may be allocated by responsible authority

24. Licences for use of water found underground on property of another person

25. Transfer of water use authorisations

26. Regulations on use of water