Investigation and enforcement

NRAR’s overall approach to regulating the use of the state’s water resources is informed by our vision: sustainable and fair water regulation for NSW.

We believe we can create thriving environments, communities, and economies by working together.

We are a firm but fair regulator. We prefer to educate and empower water users to comply with the rules. However, we will act decisively against those who wilfully and recklessly disregard the law.

Our approach to regulation

When we decide what to investigate, we consider two main questions.

1. Does the evidence show there is a high risk that water rules are being broken?
2. How much harm will be caused by breaking the rules?

This approach means less inconvenience to water users. It reduces unnecessary monitoring or investigation of smaller issues.

Our presence

Our compliance officers across NSW monitor and audit surface water and groundwater use.

They have a broad range of powers. They can enter premises and gather evidence such as photos, and samples. They can require the individual or entity under investigation to provide records and answer questions relating to the investigation.

Learn more about NRAR’s compliance powers.

Our techniques

NRAR uses a variety of methods, including property inspections and technology to enforce NSW water laws. Our tool kit includes;

• satellites
• drones
• special boats that can measure the volume of a dam
• devices that can “listen” to how much water is passing through a pipe.
• staff on the ground doing routine monitoring, checking compliance, and inspecting properties.

Together, these techniques give us continuous intelligence about what is happening. They also inform our actions for protecting water resources. We use intelligence to make sure everyone understands both their rights and their obligations under the water laws.