{"id":"water-industry-regulations-2012","name":"Water Industry Regulations 2012","slug":"water-industry-regulations-2012","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"sa","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":238180,"registerId":"sa-water-industry-regulations-2012-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-06","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Water Industry Regulations 2012","content":"South Australia\nWater Industry Regulations 2012\nunder the Water Industry Act 2012\n\nContents\nPart 1—Preliminary\n1\tShort title\n3\tInterpretation\n4\tInterpretation—definition of customer\nPart 2—Licensing of water industry entities\n5\tLicence fees and returns\n6\tContent of register of licences\nPart 3—Powers and duties relating to land and infrastructure\n7\tCarrying out certain work on land\nPart 4—Protection and use of infrastructure, equipment and water and powers in relation to installations\n8\tEncroachments\n9\tPaving a road etc—costs\n10\tUnlawful abstraction, removal or diversion of water or sewage\n11\tInformation as to amounts already paid for retail services etc\n12\tCertificate as to encumbrance\n13\tProtection of infrastructure—planting of trees etc on public land\n14\tProtection of infrastructure—action in relation to trees and shrubs\n15\tProtection of infrastructure—damage caused by trees or shrubs\n16\tAccess to sewerage infrastructure\n17\tPower to restrict or discontinue water supply\n18\tNotices under section 59—permits\nPart 5—Technical and safety issues\n19\tStandards\n20\tPerformance of regulated work\n21\tSafety, reliability, maintenance and technical management plans and reports\n22\tResponsibilities of customers\n23\tFittings etc to be flush with road surface\nPart 6—Water conservation—longer‑term measures\n25\tSA Water may issue permits\n26\tCircumstances in which permit may be issued\n27\tForm and content of permit\n28\tConditions of permit\n29\tBreach of permit conditions\n30\tRevocation, variation etc of permit or condition\n31\tApplication of permit relating to regulation 24\n32\tPermit not transferable\nPart 7—Miscellaneous\n33\tRequirement to connect to infrastructure\n34\tPipes must not lie across allotment boundaries\n35\tFees for reinspection etc\n36\tWater meters—estimates\n36A\tExtension of Part 9A\n37\tSave the River Murray levy—exemptions\n38\tCharge where land not connected or service to land reduced or discontinued\n39\tVents—cost of compliance with requirements\n40\tGeneral penalty\n41\tExpiation of offences against Act\nSchedule 2—Trees and shrubs to which regulation 13(a)(ii) applies\nSchedule 3—Trees and shrubs to which regulation 13(a)(iii) applies\nSchedule 5—Transitional provisions\nPart 2—Transitional provisions\nDivision 1—Preliminary\n2\tPreliminary\nDivision 2—Special provisions relating to revocation of Sewerage Regulations 2011\n3\tApprovals\n4\tCharges—transitional financial year\n5\tReferences to undertaking\nDivision 3—Special provisions relating to revocation of Waterworks Regulations 2011\n6\tApprovals\n7\tCharges—transitional financial year\n8\tPermits\nLegislative history\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n1—Short title\nThese regulations may be cited as the Water Industry Regulations 2012.\n3—Interpretation\nIn these regulations—\nAct means the Water Industry Act 2012;\nentry point means a fitting connected to pipes, conduits or associated fittings or apparatus of any sewerage infrastructure to enable a person to enter such infrastructure;\ninspection point means a fitting designed to provide for the inspection of pipes, conduits or associated fittings or apparatus of any sewerage infrastructure or to provide access by means of tools to such infrastructure;\nSave the River Murray levy means the levy under section 93 of the Act.\n4—Interpretation—definition of customer\nFor the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of customer in section 4 of the Act, the following are circumstances in which the definition of customer includes a consumer of retail services:\n\t(a)\tfor the purposes of requiring the water industry entity to comply with code provisions under section 25(1)(b)(iii) and (iv) of the Act relating to limitations on the grounds on which the supply of designated services to customers may be discontinued or disconnected and processes to be followed before designated services are discontinued or disconnected;\n\t(b)\tfor the purposes of a process to be followed to resolve disputes between a water industry entity and its customers in accordance with section 25(1)(g) of the Act;\n\t(c)\tfor the purposes of an ombudsman scheme determined or approved by the Commission in accordance with section 25(1)(h) of the Act.\nPart 2—Licensing of water industry entities\n5—Licence fees and returns\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of section 24(2)(a) of the Act, an annual return must be lodged before 31 August in each year.\n\t(2)\tFor the purposes of section 24(2)(b) of the Act, the licence fee, or the first instalment of the licence fee, (as the case may require) must be paid before the anniversary in each year of the day on which the licence was issued.\n\t(3)\tFor the purposes of section 24(6) of the Act, the penalty for default—\n\t(a)\tfor failing to lodge an annual return is $500; and\n\t(b)\tfor failing to pay a licence fee, or an instalment of a licence fee, is 10% per annum of the outstanding amount calculated daily on a cumulative basis.\n6—Content of register of licences\nFor the purposes of section 34(2) of the Act, the register of licences must include (in addition to the terms and conditions of each licence)—\n\t(a)\tdetails of each application for the issue, renewal or variation of a licence; and\n\t(b)\ton any such application being refused or withdrawn, a statement to that effect.\nPart 3—Powers and duties relating to land and infrastructure\n7—Carrying out certain work on land\nFor the purposes of section 45(5) and (6) of the Act—\n\t(a)\tprior notice and agreement are not required under section 45(3) of the Act for maintenance, repairs or minor works on existing water/sewerage infrastructure situated in, on, across, under or over a road; and\n\t(b)\tagreement is not required under section 45(3) of the Act for maintenance, repairs or minor works on existing water/sewerage infrastructure situated in, on, across, under or over any public land other than a road.\nPart 4—Protection and use of infrastructure, equipment and water and powers in relation to installations\n8—Encroachments\nFor the purposes of section 49(2)(b) of the Act, the notice must—\n\t(a)\tbe in writing; and\n\t(b)\tspecify the grounds on which the person on whom the notice is served is alleged to have acted in contravention of section 49(1) of the Act; and\n\t(c)\tspecify the location of the land to which the notice relates; and\n\t(d)\tspecify the period within which any action specified in the notice to remedy any contravention must be taken by the person; and\n\t(e)\tcontain a warning that—\n\t(i)\tif the requirements of the notice are not complied with, the relevant water industry entity may take any action required by the notice; and\n\t(ii)\tthe reasonable costs and expenses incurred by a water industry entity in taking such action may be recovered by the water industry entity as a debt from the person who failed to comply with the requirements of the notice; and\n\t(f)\tspecify the contact details of the water industry entity.\n9—Paving a road etc—costs\nFor the purposes of section 52(3)(b) of the Act, if the person who undertakes the work and the relevant water industry entity have entered into an agreement that provides for the sharing of the costs of the work, then the person must pay to the entity the amount specified in the agreement.\n10—Unlawful abstraction, removal or diversion of water or sewage\n\t(1)\tA person is to be taken to have proper authority for the purposes of section 53(1) of the Act if the abstraction or diversion is done under a right to take water under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004.\n\t(2)\tA person is authorised for the purposes of section 53(2)(c) of the Act if the installation or maintenance of a pipe capable of conveying water is done under a right to take water under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004.\n11—Information as to amounts already paid for retail services etc\n\t(1)\tA water industry entity must, on application by a person who has paid an amount to the entity for the provision of retail services, provide the person with a statement of the amount paid.\n\t(2)\tA water industry entity must, on application by a consumer, provide the consumer with a statement of the quantity of water supplied by the entity to the consumer in a financial year.\n\t(3)\tA water industry entity may, on application by any other person, in connection with the provision of retail services, provide that person with information of the kind referred to in subregulation (1) or (2).\n\t(4)\tHowever—\n\t(a)\tsubregulation (2) only applies if the quantity of water supplied by the water industry entity to the consumer is measured by a meter; and\n\t(b)\tsubregulation (3) only applies if the other person is acting with the consent of a person referred to in subregulation (1) or (2).\n\t(5)\tSubject to subregulation (6), an application under this regulation must be accompanied by the fee prescribed under the Act.\n\t(6)\tA fee is not payable to a water industry entity for an application under subregulation (1) or (2) if the statement sought relates only—\n\t(a)\tto amounts that became due and were paid in the financial year in which the application is made or in the preceding financial year; or\n\t(b)\tto water consumed in a financial year in which the application is made or in the preceding financial year.\n12—Certificate as to encumbrance\n\t(1)\tA water industry entity or the Technical Regulator must, on application by an interested person and payment of the fee prescribed for the purposes of the Act, provide the person with a statement as to the existence or non‑existence of encumbrances in relation to the land to which the application relates that are prescribed encumbrances for the purposes of the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994 and the regulations under that Act and that are in favour of the entity or the Technical Regulator (as the case may be).\n\t(2)\tSubregulation (1) does not apply if—\n\t(a)\tthe application is being made in order to obtain information for the purposes of the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994; and\n\t(b)\tthe water industry entity or the Technical Regulator (as the case may be) is entitled to charge a fee prescribed for the purposes of the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994.\n\t(3)\tThe Technical Regulator must, on application by an interested person and payment of the fee prescribed for the purposes of the Act, provide the person with a statement as to the existence or non‑existence of \"testable\" back flow prevention devices installed, or required to be installed, on the land to which the application relates.\n13—Protection of infrastructure—planting of trees etc on public land\nThe following requirements regarding the planting of trees and shrubs apply:\n\t(a)\tfor the purpose of protecting sewerage infrastructure—\n\t(i)\ttrees and shrubs (except those listed in Schedule 2 and Schedule 3) must not be planted on public land without the written approval of any water industry entity that owns or operates sewerage infrastructure that may be affected by the planting; and\n\t(ii)\tthe trees and shrubs listed in Schedule 2 must not be planted on a road closer than 2 metres to any sewerage infrastructure; and\n\t(iii)\tthe trees and shrubs listed in Schedule 3 must not be planted on a road closer than 3.5 metres to any sewerage infrastructure;\n\t(b)\tfor the purpose of protecting water infrastructure—trees and shrubs must not be planted on a road closer than 1 metre to any water infrastructure without the written approval of the water industry entity that owns or operates the infrastructure.\n14—Protection of infrastructure—action in relation to trees and shrubs\n\t(1)\tIf—\n\t(a)\ta tree or shrub has been planted in contravention of regulation 13; or\n\t(b)\ta water industry entity is of the opinion (based on reasonable grounds) that a tree or shrub on public land is causing, or is likely to cause, damage to water/sewerage infrastructure or a reduction in the efficiency of the operation of that infrastructure,\nthe relevant water industry entity may, by written notice served on the council or other person who owns or has the care, control or management of the land on which the tree or shrub is situated, direct that action specified in the notice (including the removal of the tree or shrub) be taken.\n\t(2)\tIf a person on whom a notice has been served fails to comply with the notice, the relevant water industry entity may enter the land and take the specified action.\n\t(3)\tThe relevant water industry entity may recover its costs of taking the specified action as a debt from the person on whom the notice was served.\n\t(4)\tA person is not entitled to compensation for action taken under this regulation.\n15—Protection of infrastructure—damage caused by trees or shrubs\nIf a tree or shrub has been planted in contravention of regulation 13, a water industry entity may recover its costs of taking action under regulation 14 as a debt from—\n\t(a)\tthe owner for the time being of the land on which the tree or shrub is, or was, situated; or\n\t(b)\tin the case of land under the care, control or management of a council—the council.\n16—Access to sewerage infrastructure\n\t(1)\tA licensed plumbing contractor or registered plumbing worker under the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995 may use an inspection point of any sewerage infrastructure to gain access to pipes, conduits or associated fittings or apparatus connected to the infrastructure.\n\t(2)\tA water industry entity's costs of repairing any damage caused to infrastructure owned or operated by the entity by a person using an inspection point under subregulation (1) is a debt due by that person to the entity.\n\t(3)\tA person must not enter infrastructure owned or operated by a water industry entity unless he or she is—\n\t(a)\tan employee of the entity; or\n\t(b)\tauthorised by the entity to enter the infrastructure.\n17—Power to restrict or discontinue water supply\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of section 59(1) of the Act, if the water industry entity proposes to exercise a power under section 59(3)(a) to (e) (inclusive) in relation to water that may be used for human consumption, the entity must—\n\t(a)\tobtain the approval of the prescribed authority before acting; and\n\t(b)\tnotify the public of the intention to exercise the power by publishing a notice (specifying in the notice relevant details of the power to be exercised)—\n\t(i)\tif the water industry entity proposes to exercise a power under section 59(3)(b), (c) or (d)—in the Gazette; and\n\t(ii)\tin all cases—\n\t(A)\ton a website determined by the entity; and\n\t(B)\tin a newspaper circulating generally throughout the area of the State in which the persons affected by the exercise of the power are situated; and\n\t(C)\tin any other manner considered appropriate by the entity for the purpose of notifying the persons affected by the exercise of the power.\n\t(2)\tA notice published on a website in accordance with subregulation (1)(b)(ii)(A) must remain accessible to the public on the website for the duration of the period for which the entity exercises the power under section 59(3) of the Act to which the notice relates.\n\t(3)\tIn this regulation—\nprescribed authority means—\n\t(a)\tif the water industry entity is SA Water—the Minister; and\n\t(b)\tin any other case—the Commission.\n18—Notices under section 59—permits\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of section 59(4) of the Act, if a specified use of water is prohibited except under the authority of a permit issued by a water industry entity, the entity may issue such a permit to a person in accordance with this regulation.\n\t(2)\tPart 6 applies, with necessary modifications, in relation to a permit issued under this regulation as if it were a permit issued under that Part.\nPart 5—Technical and safety issues\n19—Standards\nFor the purposes of section 66(2)(k) of the Act, a standard may make provisions of a saving or transitional nature relating to the carrying out, approval or certification of work to be carried out in accordance with the standard in circumstances where the standard is varied or substituted.\n20—Performance of regulated work\nFor the purposes of section 67(1) of the Act, registration as a plumbing worker under the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995 is recognised.\n21—Safety, reliability, maintenance and technical management plans and reports\nFor the purposes of section 68(2)(a) of the Act, the following are matters that must be dealt with by a safety, reliability, maintenance and technical management plan:\n\t(a)\tthe safe design, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of water/sewerage infrastructure owned or operated by the water industry entity;\n\t(b)\tthe maintenance of water or sewerage services of the quality required to be maintained by or under the Act, these regulations, the water industry entity's licence or the conditions of any exemption granted to the entity;\n\t(c)\tmonitoring compliance with safety and technical requirements imposed by or under the Act, these regulations, the water industry entity's licence or the conditions of any exemption granted to the entity;\n\t(d)\tmonitoring water/sewerage infrastructure owned or operated by the water industry entity for the purposes of identifying infrastructure that is unsafe or at risk of failing or malfunctioning;\n\t(e)\tthe establishment of indicators and the collection and recording of information to measure the water industry entity's performance in respect of matters referred to in the preceding paragraphs.\n22—Responsibilities of customers\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of section 69 of the Act, a customer who is supplied with water by a water industry entity must, in relation to a meter supplied by the entity, or an associated fitting, inform the entity of damage to the meter or associated fitting as soon as is reasonably practicable after the damage occurs.\n\t(2)\tFor the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of customer in section 4 of the Act, a reference to customer in subregulation (1) includes a reference to a person supplied with water by a water industry entity as a consumer or user of the water.\n23—Fittings etc to be flush with road surface\n\t(1)\tEntry points, inspection points and similar fittings situated in a road, footpath or an easement must be flush with the surface of the road, footpath or easement.\n\t(2)\tIf the surface height of a road, footpath or easement is altered—\n\t(a)\tthe council, other authority or person who made the alteration must give notice in writing to the water industry entity that owns, manages or uses the entry point, inspection point or other fitting of the alteration; and\n\t(b)\tthe water industry entity must, at the cost of the council, other authority or person who made the alteration, alter the height of the entry point, inspection point or other fitting.\n\t(3)\tThe water industry entity may recover its costs as a debt from the council, other authority or person.\n\t(4)\tSubregulations (2) and (3) have effect for the purposes of section 52(3)(b) of the Act.\nPart 6—Water conservation—longer‑term measures\n25—SA Water may issue permits\n\t(1)\tWhere, pursuant to regulation 24, a specified use of water is prohibited except under the authority of a permit issued by SA Water, SA Water may, on payment of such fee as may be fixed by SA Water, issue such a permit to a person in accordance with this Part.\n\t(2)\tA permit issued under subregulation (1) may authorise the person to whom the permit is issued to engage in the specified use of water at multiple sites.\n26—Circumstances in which permit may be issued\nSA Water may only issue a permit if SA Water is satisfied that—\n\t(a)\tgood reason exists for allowing the use of water to occur in accordance with the permit; and\n\t(b)\tthe use of water under the permit (and all other permits issued in accordance with this Part) will not significantly reduce the effectiveness of the measures or restrictions then in force in providing for the conservation or efficient use or management of water.\n27—Form and content of permit\nA permit must be in writing in a form determined by SA Water and must specify—\n\t(a)\tthe name and address of the holder of the permit; and\n\t(b)\tthe measure or restriction to which the permit relates; and\n\t(c)\tthe water use to which the permit relates; and\n\t(d)\tother than in the case of a permit that authorises the use of water at multiple sites—the land to which the permit relates; and\n\t(e)\tthe period for which the permit applies.\n28—Conditions of permit\nA permit is subject to such conditions as are determined by SA Water and specified in the permit or subsequently notified to the holder of the permit in accordance with this Part.\n29—Breach of permit conditions\nWhere the holder of a permit, or a person acting in the employment or with the authority of the holder of the permit, contravenes or fails to comply with a condition of the permit, the holder of the permit is guilty of an offence.\n30—Revocation, variation etc of permit or condition\nSA Water may, by written notice to the holder of a permit, revoke, suspend or vary a permit, or a condition of a permit, or add a new condition to a permit, if SA Water is satisfied that—\n\t(a)\tit is necessary or expedient to do so for the conservation or efficient use or management of water; or\n\t(b)\tthe holder of the permit has contravened or failed to comply with a provision of the Act or these regulations or a condition of the permit.\n31—Application of permit relating to regulation 24\nA permit issued in accordance with this Part in relation to a measure imposed by regulation 24 applies subject to any requirement imposed under section 59(3) of the Act (and any permit issued by the relevant water industry entity under section 59(4) in relation to such a requirement).\n32—Permit not transferable\nA permit issued in accordance with this Part is not transferable.\nPart 7—Miscellaneous\n33—Requirement to connect to infrastructure\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of section 48(3) of the Act—\n\t(a)\teach of the following is a prescribed body under section 48(3)(c) of the Act:\n\t(i)\tthe Technical Regulator;\n\t(ii)\tthe Minister responsible for the administration of the South Australian Public Health Act 2011;\n\t(iii)\ta council (unless the council is the water industry entity that will be providing the sewerage service); and\n\t(b)\tit will be a requirement under section 48(3)(d) of the Act that the scheme must be developed in consultation with the council (or councils) for the area (or areas) where the sewerage services are proposed to be provided (unless the council is providing the sewerage service that is under consideration within its own area).\n\t(2)\tA notice under section 48(6) of the Act—\n\t(a)\tmust be in writing; and\n\t(b)\tmust—\n\t(i)\tprovide a description of the prescribed infrastructure and the scheme; and\n\t(ii)\tspecify the fees and changes that are to be imposed in connection with the sale and supply of the sewerage services under the scheme; and\n\t(iii)\tprovide information about any terms or conditions that are to apply in relation to the sale and supply of the sewerage services under the scheme; and\n\t(iv)\tspecify the action to be taken by the owner of the land to connect any drains, equipment or works to the prescribed infrastructure; and\n\t(v)\tprovide information about any specifications that apply under section 48(7)(b) of the Act; and\n\t(vi)\tthe period when, or the time by which, the connection must be made; and\n\t(vii)\tadvise the owner that the costs incurred in complying with the notice will be borne by the owner under section 47(7)(c) of the Act; and\n\t(viii)\tcontain a warning that—\n\t(A)\tif the requirements of the notice are not complied with, the relevant water industry entity may take any action required by the notice; and\n\t(B)\tthe reasonable costs and expenses incurred by a water industry entity in taking such action may be recovered by the water industry entity as a debt from the person who failed to comply with the requirements of the notice; and\n\t(ix)\tspecify the contact details of the water industry entity.\n34—Pipes must not lie across allotment boundaries\n\t(1)\tSubject to this regulation, a pipe connected to any water/sewerage infrastructure must not lie across the boundary between adjoining allotments and accordingly—\n\t(a)\ta person must not—\n\t(i)\tlay a pipe that is, or is to be, connected to any water/sewerage infrastructure across the boundary of adjoining allotments; or\n\t(ii)\tconnect a pipe that has been laid across the boundary of adjoining allotments to any water/sewerage infrastructure; and\n\t(b)\tif, on the division of land, the boundary of adjoining allotments intersects the line on which a pipe connected to any water/sewerage infrastructure has been laid, the owner or occupier of each allotment may be directed by the Technical Regulator or a water industry entity under this regulation to disconnect the pipe from the water/sewerage infrastructure.\n\t(2)\tSubregulation (1) does not apply in relation to allotments in the same site under the Strata Titles Act 1988 or in the same community parcel under the Community Titles Act 1996.\n\t(3)\tIt is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subregulation (1)(a) to prove that the laying or connecting of the pipe was done with the written approval of the Technical Regulator or a water industry entity.\n\t(4)\tIf a pipe connected to any water/sewerage infrastructure lies across the boundary between adjoining allotments (except allotments in the same site under the Strata Titles Act 1988 or in the same community parcel under the Community Titles Act 1996), the Technical Regulator or a water industry entity may give written notice to the owner or occupier of each of the allotments directing that the pipe be disconnected from the water/sewerage infrastructure by a qualified person in the manner, at the point and within the time stated in the notice.\n\t(5)\tA person to whom a notice is given under subregulation (4), or a person acting on his or her behalf, is entitled to carry out such work as is reasonably necessary in order to comply with the notice (to the extent that the person is qualified to undertake the work) and for that purpose may enter either or both of the allotments or any adjoining land.\n\t(6)\tA person who fails to comply with a notice is guilty of an offence.\n\t(7)\tIf a person to whom notice has been given fails to comply with the notice, the Technical Regulator or a water industry entity (or a person authorised by the Technical Regulator or a water industry entity) may enter either allotment or any adjoining land and carry out the necessary work and each person in default is jointly and severally liable to the Technical Regulator or the water industry entity (as the case requires) for the costs of carrying out that work.\n\t(8)\tThe owners of the allotments are jointly and severally liable—\n\t(a)\tfor the costs in carrying out work under subregulation (7); and\n\t(b)\tto an occupier of either allotment for—\n\t(i)\tthe occupier's costs in carrying out work required by a notice given to the occupier under subregulation (4); and\n\t(ii)\tfor any amount that the occupier is liable to pay under subregulation (7).\n35—Fees for reinspection etc\n\t(1)\tIf—\n\t(a)\ta person's acts or omissions require the Technical Regulator (or a person acting on behalf of the Technical Regulator) to undertake a reinspection of any work, or to reattend at any place for any other reason, in connection with the operation or requirements of a standard under Part 7 of the Act; or\n\t(b)\ta person is given a direction under section 77 or 78 of the Act and an authorised person undertakes a reinspection of any work, or reattends at any place, for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the direction or approving reconnection to the water supply,\nthe person is liable to pay a fee of an amount equal to the reasonable costs of the reinspection or reattendance (as the case may be).\n\t(2)\tThe Technical Regulator may recover a fee payable under subregulation (1) as a debt by action in a court of competent jurisdiction.\n36—Water meters—estimates\nIf—\n\t(a)\ta water industry entity is unable for any reason to gain access to a meter or to read a meter for the purpose of measuring water supplied to the person by the entity; and\n\t(b)\ta code or rules made under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 relating to the provision of retail services to customers does not apply to that supply of water,\nthe entity may, in accordance with any requirements of the Commission, estimate the quantity of water supplied through the meter and that quantity will be taken to be the quantity of water supplied for the purpose of any amount payable for the supply of the water.\n36A—Extension of Part 9A\nIn accordance with section 86ZR(6)(b) of the Act (and following a recommendation of the regulator as required by section 86ZR(6)(a) of the Act), the operation of Part 9A of the Act is extended by a further period of 5 years commencing when the existing prescribed period ends on 30 June 2024.\n37—Save the River Murray levy—exemptions\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of section 93(8)(b) of the Act, a person qualifies in accordance with a scheme published by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.\n\t(2)\tThe water rates concession scheme approved and funded by the Minister for the purposes of section 25(1)(o) of the Act is recognised for the purposes of section 93(8)(c) of the Act.\n38—Charge where land not connected or service to land reduced or discontinued\nFor the purposes of section 115(2)(c) of the Act, a charge may be imposed by a water industry entity in respect of land of a kind specified by the Minister by notice in the Gazette despite the fact that—\n\t(a)\tthe land is not connected to infrastructure by which a retail service is provided by the water industry entity; or\n\t(b)\tthe provision of a retail service to the land by the water industry entity has been reduced or discontinued.\n39—Vents—cost of compliance with requirements\nWhere the vents connected to a building (the existing building) cease to comply with the requirements of the Act, these regulations or any requirement or standard under the Act or these regulations because another building (the new building) has been erected next to, or in the vicinity of, the existing building, the owner of the existing building must alter the vents so that they comply with those requirements and the cost of doing so may be recovered as a debt by the owner of the existing building from the owner of the new building.\n40—General penalty\nA person who contravenes or fails to comply with a provision of these regulations for which a specific penalty is not provided is guilty of an offence.\nMaximum penalty: $10 000.\nExpiation fee: $315.\n41—Expiation of offences against Act\nThe expiation fees specified in the following table are fixed for alleged offences against the Act arising from an alleged contravention of the section specified opposite the fee:\n\nSection\nFee\nsection 43(4)\n$50\nsection 50(1)\n$750\nsection 50(5)\n$200\nsection 50(6)\n$750\nsection 51(1)\n$150\nsection 54(1)\n$315\nsection 54(2)\n$315\nsection 54(4)\n$315\nsection 54(6)\n$315\nsection 54(7)\n$315\nsection 54(9)\n$200\nsection 55(1)\n$750\nsection 56(1)\n$750\nsection 56(4)\n$750\nsection 56(5)\n$150\nsection 67(1)\n$315\nsection 67(2)\n$315\nsection 69(1)\n$150\nsection 70(4)\n$315\nsection 77(3)\n$315\nsection 78(4)\n$315\nsection 92(9)\n$315\nsection 96\n$200\nsection 100(a)\n$200\nSchedule 2—Trees and shrubs to which regulation 13(a)(ii) applies\n\nBotanical name\nCommon name\nAcacia cultriformis\nKnife‑leaved Wattle\nAcacia cyclops\nW.A. Coastal Wattle\nAcacia howitii\nSticky Wattle\nAcacia iteaphylla\nFlinders Range Wattle\nAcacia longifolia\nSallow Wattle\nAcacia microbotrya\n\nAcacia retinodes\nWirilda\nAcacia sophorae\nS.A. Coastal Wattle\nAcacia sowdenii\nWestern Myall\nAcacia trineura\nHindmarsh Wattle\nAcacia verniciflua\nVarnish Wattle\nAcacia victoriae\nElegant or Bramble Wattle\nActinostrobus pyramidalis\nSwan River Cypress\nBauhinia variegata and forms\nOrchid Tree, Bauhinia\nCallistemon cirtrinus (C. Lanceolatus)\nCrimson Bottlebrush\nCallistemon \"Harkness\"\nGawler Hybrid Bottlebrush\nCallistemon lilacinus (C. violaceus)\nLilac Bottlebrush\nCallistemon macropunctatus (C. rugulosus)\nS.A. Red Bottlebrush\nCallistemon phoeniceus\nFiery Bottlebrush\nCallistemon rigidus\nStiff‑leaved Bottlebrush\nCallistemon salignus\nWillow Bottlebrush\nCallistemon viminalis\nWeeping Bottlebrush\nCalothamnus aspera\nRough‑leaved Net Bush\nCeanothus species\nCeanothus\nCotoneaster Frigida\nHimalayan Cotoneaster\nCrataegus lavallei (C. carrieri)\nLavalle Hawthorn\nCrataegus oxyacantha and forms\nHawthorn, May Tree\nCrataegus phaenopyrum (C. cordata)\nWashington Thorn\nCrataegus pubescens (C. mexicana)\nMexican Hawthorn\nDuranta repens\nSky Flower, Duranta\nEucalyptus \"Augusta Wonder\"\n\nEucalyptus caesia\nGungunnu\nEucalyptus calycogona\nSquare‑fruited Mallee\nEucalyptus cosmophylla\nS.A. Cup Gum\nEucalyptus crucis\nSouthern Cross Mallee\nEucalyptus dielsii\nDiels Gum\nEucalyptus diversifolia\nS.A. Coastal Mallee\nEucalyptus eremophila\nTall Sand Mallee\nEucalyptus erythrocorys\nRed‑capped Gum\nEucalyptus erythronema\nLindsay Gum\nEucalyptus foecunda (E. lepto‑phylla)\nSlender‑leaved Mallee\nEucalyptus forrestiana\nFuchsia Gum\nEucalyptus orbifolia\nRound‑leaved Mallee\nEucalyptus preissiana\nBell‑fruited Mallee\nEucalyptus pyriformis subspecies youngiana\nOoldea Mallee\nEucalyptus rodantha\nRose Gum\nEucalyptus rugosa\nKingscote Mallee\nEucalyptus socialis\nRed Mallee, Morrel\nEucalyptus stoatei\nPear‑fruited Gum\nEucalyptus tetraptera\nFour‑winged Mallee\nEucalyptus websterana\nWebster's Mallee\nEuonymus japonicus\nEvergreen Spindle Tree\nFeijoa sellowiana and forms\nPineapple Guava\nGeijera parviflora\nWilga\nHakea elliptica\nOval‑leaved Hakea\nHakea laurina\nPincushion Hakea\nHakea petiolaris\nBroad‑leaf Sea Urchin\nHakea salicifolia (H. saligna)\nWillow Hakea\nHakea sulcata\nFurrowed Hakea\nHakea undulata\nWavy‑leaved Hakea\nHibiscus species\nHibiscus\nHomalanthus populifolius\nQueenslander Poplar, Bleeding‑Heart Tree\nLagerstroemia \"Eavesii\"\nMauve Crepe‑Myrtle\nLagerstroemia indica\nPink Crepe‑Myrtle\nLeptospermum laevigatum\nVictoria Coastal Tea Tree\nMalus species\nFlowering Crabs and Apples\nMelaleuca elliptica\nGranite Honey Myrtle\nMelaleuca Fulgens\nScarlet Honey Myrtle\nMelaleuca Glomerata\n\nMelaleuca hypericifolia\nHillock Bush\nMelaleuca incana\nYellow‑Flowered Grey Honey Myrtle\nMelaleuca lateritia\nRobin Redbreast Bush\nMelaleuca nesophila\nWestern Honey Myrtle\nMelaleuca pentagona\n\nMelaleuca radula\nGraceful Honey Myrtle\nMelaleuca squamea\n\nPhotinia serrulata\nChinese Hawthorn\nPittosporum crassifolium and variegated form\nKaro\nPittosporum phylliraeoides\nNative Apricot, Weeping Pittosporum\nPittosporum tenuifolium\nNew Zealand Kohuhu\nPittosporum tenuifolium \"Pirpureum\"\n\nPrunus species\nFlowering Almonds, Plums, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches\nPyracantha coccines \"Lalandei\"\nLalande Firethorn\nPyracantha crenulata\nNepal Firethorn\nPyracantha rodgersiana\nYellow‑Berry Firethorn\nSophora tetraptera\nYellow Kowhai\nSpartium junceum\nSpanish Broom\nStenolobium alatum (Tecoma smithii)\nWinged Yellow‑Trumpet\nStenolobium stans (Tecoma stans)\nFlorida Yellow‑Trumpet\nSyzygium Coolminianum\nBlue Lilly Pilly\nViburnum tinus\nLaurustinus\nVitex agnus‑castus\nLilac Chaste Tree\nSchedule 3—Trees and shrubs to which regulation 13(a)(iii) applies\n\nBotanical name\nCommon name\nAcacia acuminata\nRaspberry Jam Wattle\nAcacia cyanophylla\nOrange Wattle\nAcacia pendula\nWeeping Myall\nAcacia salicina\nBroughton Willow or Wattle\nAcacia terminalis (A. elata)\nCedar Wattle\nAcer negundo\nBox Elder\nAgonis Flexuosa\nW.A. Willow Myrtle or Peppermint\nAlbizia julibrissin\nSilk Tree\nAmygdalus pollardii\nFlowering Almond\nAngophora cordata\nDwarf or Scrub Apply Myrtle\nAngophora costata\nSmooth‑barked Apply Myrtle\nArbutus unedo\nIrish Strawberry\nBauhinia carronii\nQueensland Bean or Ebony Tree\nBerberis species\nBarberry, Berberis\nBetula pendula (B. alba)\nSilver Birch\nBrachychiton acerifolium\nFlame Tree\nBrachychiton discolor\nQueensland Lace Bark\nBrachychiton acerifolium x populneum (B. Hydridum)\nHybrid Flame Tree\nBrachychiton populneum\nKurrajong\nCallitris columellaris\nWhite Cypress Pine\nCallitris preissii\nSlender Cypress Pine\nCasuarina cristata\nBlack Oak, Belah\nCasuarina stricta\nWeeping Sheoak\nCasuarina torulosa\nRose Sheoak\nCeltis australis\nSouthern Hackberry, Celtis\nCeltis occidentalis\nAmerican Hackberry, Celtis\nCercis siliquastrum\nJudas Tree\nCitharexylum species\nFiddlewood\nCotoneaster serotina\nCotoneaster\nCupressus glabra\nArizona Cypress\nErythrina \"Indica\"\nHybrid Indian Coral Tree\nEucalyptus behriana\nBroad‑leaved Box\nEucalyptus campaspe\nSilver Gimlet\nEucalyptus Cinerea\nMealy Stringybark, Argyle Apple\nEucalyptus cneorifolia\nKangaroo Island Narrow‑leaved Gum\nEucalyptus conglobata\nS.A. Coastal Gum\nEucalyptus dundasii\nDundas Blackbutt\nEucalyptus \"Ericoides\"\n\nEucalyptus Ficifolia\nW.A. Scarlet Flowering Gum\nEucalyptus flocktoniae\nMerrit\nEucalyptus gardneri\nBlue Mallett\nEucalyptus gracilis\nYorrell\nEucalyptus incrassata\nRidge‑fruited Mallee\nEucalyptus intertexta\nSmooth‑barked Coolibah\nEucalyptus landsdowneana\nPort Lincoln Gum\nEucalyptus lehmanni\nBushy Yate\nEucalyptus le souefii\nLe Souef's Blackbutt\nEucalyptus leucoxylon \"Rosea\"\nPink‑flowering Blue Gum\nEucalyptus megacornuta\nWarty Yate\nEucalyptus nutans\nNodding Gum\nEucalyptus oleosa\nRed Mallee\nEucalyptus pileata\nRavensthorpe Mallee\nEucalyptus platypus\nRound‑leaved Moort\nEucalyptus \"Pterocarpa\"\n\nEucalyptus pulverulenta\nSilver‑leaved Mountain Gum\nEucalyptus salubris\nGimlet Gum\nEucalyptus sargentii\nSalt or Sargent's Mallet\nEucalyptus sideroxylon\nManna Red Ironbark, Mugga\nEucalyptus spathulata\nSwamp Mallee\nEucalyptus steedmanii\nSteedman's Gum\nEucalyptus stricklandii\nYellow‑flowering Gum\nEucalyptus torquata\nCoral or Coolgardie Gum\nEucalyptus \"Torwood\"\nHybrid Coral gum\nEucalyptus \"Urrbrae Gum\"\n\nEucalyptus viridis\nGreen Mallee\nEucalyptus woodwardii\nLemon‑flowering Gum\nEugenia smithii (Acmena smithii)\nLilly Pilly\nFicus rubiginosa \"Variegata\"\nVariegated Rusty Fig\nFraxinus excelsior \"Aurea\"\nGolden Ash\nFraxinus ornus\nManna Ash\nHakea kippistiana\n\nHakea suaveolens\nSweet Hakea\nHarpephyllum caffrum\nKaffir Plum\nHymenosporum flavum\nWoolum, Native Frangipani\nJacaranda species\nJacaranda\nJuniperus sheppardii var. pyramidalis (\"J.africans\")\nJuniper\nKoelreuteria paniculata\nVarnish Tree\nLaburnum species\nLaburnum\nLagunaria patersonii\nPyramid Tree\nLigustrum japonicum and forms\nJapanese Privet\nLigustrum ludidum and forms\nGlossy Privet\nLiquidambar styraciflua\nLiquidambar\nMelaleuca alternifolia\nAlternate‑leaved Honey Myrtle\nMelaleuca armillaris\nBracelet Honey Myrtle\nMelaleuca halmaturorum\nS.A. Swamp paper Bark\nMelaleuca huegelii\nChenile Honey Myrtle\nMelaleuca Lanceloata (M. pubescens)\nDry Land Tea Tree\nMelaleuca linariifolia\nFlax‑leaved Honey Myrtle\nMelaleuca styphelioides\nPrickly Paperbark\nMelia axedarach\nWhite Cedar\nMetrosideros excelsa (M. tomentosa)\nNew Zealand Christmas Tree\nMyoporum insulare\nBoobialla\nMyoproum montanum\nWater Bush\nNerium oleander\nOleander\nParkinsonia aculeata\nJerusalem Thorn\nPittosporum rhombifolium\nQueensland Pittosporum\nPittosporum undulatum\nSweet Pittosporum\nPittosporum undulatum \"Variegatum\"\nVariegated Sweet Pittosporum\nQuercus ilex\nHolm Oak\nSophora japonica\nPagoda Tree\nSorbus aucuparia\nRowan, Mountain Ash\nSyzygium paniculatum\nBrush Cherry\nTamarix juniperina\nFlowering Tamarisk\nTristania conferta\nBrush Box\nSchedule 5—Transitional provisions\nPart 2—Transitional provisions\nDivision 1—Preliminary\n2—Preliminary\nIn this Part—\ntransitional financial year has the same meaning as in Schedule 2 Part 10 of the Water Industry Act 2012.\nDivision 2—Special provisions relating to revocation of Sewerage Regulations 2011\n3—Approvals\nAn approval under regulation 4 of the Sewerage Regulations 2011 will continue to apply (and will have effect for the purposes of these regulations).\n4—Charges—transitional financial year\nThe charges set out in regulation 34 of the Sewerage Regulations 2011 will continue to apply during the transitional financial year as if that regulation had not been revoked (and any charge incurred or imposed during the transitional financial year under regulation 34 of those regulations may be recovered after the end of the transitional financial year).\n5—References to undertaking\nA reference in a statutory instrument to the undertaking within the meaning of the Sewerage Act 1929 (being undertaking within a drainage area constituted under that Act) will be taken to be a reference to sewerage infrastructure held by SA Water (other than where SA Water is holding and operating the infrastructure on behalf of another water industry entity).\nDivision 3—Special provisions relating to revocation of Waterworks Regulations 2011\n6—Approvals\nAn approval under regulation 4 of the Waterworks Regulations 2011 will continue to apply (and will have effect for the purposes of these regulations).\n7—Charges—transitional financial year\nThe charges set out in regulation 25 of the Waterworks Regulations 2011 will continue to apply during the transitional financial year as if that regulation had not been revoked (and any charge incurred or imposed during the transitional financial year under regulation 25 of those regulations may be recovered after the end of the transitional financial year).\n8—Permits\nA permit issued by SA Water under regulation 31 of the Waterworks Regulations 2011 and in force immediately before the commencement of this clause will continue for the balance of the period for which the permit was issued—\n\t(a)\tin the case of a permit issued pursuant to regulation 28 of the Waterworks Regulations 2011—as if it were a permit issued by SA Water under regulation 25 of these regulations; and\n\t(b)\tin the case of a permit issued pursuant to a notice by SA Water under section 33A of the Waterworks Act 1932—as if it were a permit issued by SA Water under regulation 18 of these regulations.\nLegislative history\nNotes\n\t•\tPlease note—References in the legislation to other legislation or instruments or to titles of bodies or offices are not automatically updated as part of the program for the revision and publication of legislation and therefore may be obsolete.\n\t•\tEarlier versions of these regulations (historical versions) are listed at the end of the legislative history.\n\t•\tFor further information relating to the Act and subordinate legislation made under the Act see the Index of South Australian Statutes or www.legislation.sa.gov.au.\nLegislation revoked by principal regulations\nThe Water Industry Regulations 2012 revoked the following:\nSewerage Regulations 2011\nWaterworks Regulations 2011\nPrincipal regulations and variations\nNew entries appear in bold.\nYear\nNo\nReference\nCommencement\n2012\n269\nGazette 20.12.2012 p6210\n1.1.2013: r 2\n2013\n72\nGazette 6.6.2013 p2155\n1.7.2013: r 2\n2014\n36\nGazette 6.2.2014 p598\n1.4.2014: r 2\n2014\n178\nGazette 19.6.2014 p2755\n1.7.2014: r 2\n2015\n134\nGazette 18.6.2015 p2742\n1.7.2015: r 2\n2016\n99\nGazette 23.6.2016 p2249\n1.7.2016: r 2\n2017\n179\nGazette 22.6.2017 p2476\n1.7.2017: r 2\n2017\n337\nGazette 19.12.2017 p5139\n1.1.2018: r 2\n2018\n128\nGazette 21.6.2018 p2350\n1.7.2018: r 2\n2019\n119\nGazette 13.6.2019 p1986\n1.7.2019: r 2\n2019\n167\nGazette 27.6.2019 p2363\n27.6.2019: r 2\n2020\n200\nGazette 4.6.2020 p3074\n1.7.2020: r 2\n2024\n62\nGazette 27.6.2024 p1961\n27.6.2024: r 2\nProvisions varied\nNew entries appear in bold.\nEntries that relate to provisions that have been deleted appear in italics.\nProvision\nHow varied\nCommencement\nPt 1\n\n\nr 2\nomitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n1.7.2013\nPt 4\n\n\nr 11\n\n\nr 11(5)\nvaried by 200/2020 r 4\n1.7.2020\nr 12\n\n\nr 12(1)\nvaried by 200/2020 r 5(1)\n1.7.2020\nr 12(2)\nvaried by 200/2020 r 5(2)\n1.7.2020\nr 12(3)\nvaried by 200/2020 r 5(3)\n1.7.2020\nPt 6 before substitution by 337/2017\n\n\nr 24\nwill expire: r 24(5)\n(1.1.2018)\nPt 6\nsubstituted by 337/2017 r 4\n1.1.2018\nr 24\nexpired: r 24(5)—omitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n(1.1.2023)\nPt 7\n\n\nr 36A\ninserted by 167/2019 r 4\n27.6.2019\n\nsubstituted by 62/2024 r 3\n27.6.2024\nr 37\n\n\nr 37(1)\nr 37 redesignated as r 37(1) by 36/2014 r 4\n1.4.2014\nr 37(2)\ninserted by 36/2014 r 4\n1.4.2014\nSch 1\nsubstituted by 72/2013 r 4\n1.7.2013\n\nsubstituted by 178/2014 r 4\n1.7.2014\n\nsubstituted by 134/2015 r 4\n1.7.2015\n\nsubstituted by 99/2016 r 4\n1.7.2016\n\nsubstituted by 179/2017 r 4\n1.7.2017\n\nsubstituted by 128/2018 r 4\n1.7.2018\n\nsubstituted by 119/2019 r 4\n1.7.2019\n\ndeleted by 200/2020 r 6\n1.7.2020\nSch 4 before substitution by 337/2017\nwill expire: Sch 4 cl 9\n(1.1.2018)\nSch 4\nsubstituted by 337/2017 r 5\n1.1.2018\n\nexpired: Sch 4 cl 9—omitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n(1.1.2023)\nSch 5\n\n\nPt 1\nomitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n1.7.2013\nHistorical versions\n1.7.2013\n\n1.4.2014\n\n1.7.2014\n\n1.7.2015\n\n1.7.2016\n\n1.7.2017\n\n1.1.2018\n\n1.7.2018\n\n27.6.2019\n\n1.7.2019\n\n1.7.2020\n\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"summary":{"complexity_score":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Scope cannot be assessed as no legislative text was available for review. The page returned an error rather than the content of the Water Industry Regulations 2012."},"complexity_factors":["No legislative content was retrievable — the source URL returned a 404 Page Not Found error","The complexity score reflects the absence of analysable material, not the underlying legislation itself","Website migration as of 24 March 2026 has broken legacy hyperlinks to SA legislation"],"plain_english_summary":"The linked Water Industry Regulations 2012 (SA) could not be retrieved due to a site migration that broke older URLs, so no specific analysis was possible. To view them, search www.legislation.sa.gov.au for \"Water Industry Regulations 2012\" or contact OPCWeb@sa.gov.au.\n\nGenerally these regulations sit under the Water Industry Act 2012 and govern licensing, service standards and customer protections for water and sewerage providers and users in South Australia."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The regulations consolidated and replaced the former Sewerage Regulations 2011 and Waterworks Regulations 2011 (see Legislative history). They preserve certain prior approvals and charges during transition (Schedule 5) while introducing new and amended operational rules (for example, substitution/expiry of Part 6 provisions and extension of Part 9A by reg 36A). Amendments and expiries recorded in the legislative history show the instrument’s scope has been adjusted since its original enactment."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross‑references to the Water Industry Act 2012 and other statutes (multiple provisions rely on Act sections for operation)","Multiple decision‑makers with delegated discretion (SA Water, water industry entities, Technical Regulator, Commission, Minister) increasing interpretive complexity (eg regs 17, 18, 25–31)","Operational and technical obligations requiring plans, standards and monitoring (safety/technical management plans; regs 19, 21)","Detailed property‑affecting powers and cost‑recovery mechanisms (tree removal, encroachments, disconnection, pipe relocation) creating direct liabilities for landowners and councils (regs 8, 13–16, 33–35, 34)","Fee, penalty and expiation regime with specific timelines and calculations (licence returns and default penalties; regs 5, 40, 41)","Permit regime for restricted water uses that includes non‑transferability, revocation and site/multi‑site authorisations (regs 25–32)","Administrative burdens from prescribed notices and publication requirements (eg public notices for supply restrictions; regs 8, 17, 33)","Large technical schedules (species lists in Schedules 2–3) imposing precise planting limits and enforcement tasks","Transitional provisions and historical amendments that alter scope and create continuity rules (Schedule 5 and legislative history)","Use of undefined or subjective yardsticks (eg 'reasonable costs', 'satisfied' or 'good reason') that increase enforcement discretion (eg regs 8(e), 26)"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations set the operational rules for South Australia’s water industry: licensing fees and returns, technical and safety standards, permits for restricted water uses, and protections for water and sewerage infrastructure (trees, pipes, encroachments). They apply to SA Water, licensed water industry entities, customers, landowners, councils and licensed contractors. \n\nDecision-making and enforcement power is given to SA Water, water industry entities, the Technical Regulator, the Commission and the Minister; the instrument imposes fees, permit conditions and cost‑recovery obligations on licence‑holders, landowners and customers (see regs 5, 13–16, 25–32, 36A, 40)."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The regulations appear consistent with their original purpose as operational rules supporting the Water Industry Act 2012. While they incorporate transitional provisions from earlier revoked regulations (Sewerage Regulations 2011 and Waterworks Regulations 2011), this represents consolidation rather than scope creep. The 2024 amendment (regulation 36A) extends existing Part 9A powers for another 5 years, but this continues existing regulatory arrangements rather than expanding into new areas."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross-references to the parent Water Industry Act 2012 (over 30 references to specific sections)","Two detailed schedules listing specific tree species with botanical and common names (Schedules 2 and 3)","Nested conditional logic in permit systems (Part 6) with multiple grounds for revocation, variation and breach","Transitional provisions preserving old approvals and charges from revoked regulations (Schedule 5)","Multiple exceptions to general rules (e.g., regulation 34 pipes across boundaries has exceptions for strata/community title, and defence provisions for approved work)","Dual definitions of 'customer' that expand scope for specific purposes (regulation 4)","Interplay between multiple Acts: Water Industry Act 2012, Natural Resources Management Act 2004, Plumbers Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995, Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994, Essential Services Commission Act 2002"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations set out the detailed rules for how South Australia's water industry operates day-to-day. They cover:\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Water industry entities** (mainly SA Water and any licensed water/sewerage providers)\n- **Property owners and occupiers** who connect to water or sewerage infrastructure\n- **Plumbers and contractors** doing regulated work on water systems\n- **Local councils** managing public land near water infrastructure\n- **Anyone using water** during conservation restrictions\n\n**What it does:**\n\n**Licensing & Administration**\n- Sets annual fees and deadlines for water industry licences (regulation 5)\n- Requires public registers showing licence applications and decisions (regulation 6)\n\n**Land & Infrastructure Powers**\n- Lets water entities do maintenance on roads and public land without prior notice (regulation 7)\n- Controls encroachments on water infrastructure and sets notice requirements (regulation 8)\n- Shares costs when roads are paved over water infrastructure (regulation 9)\n\n**Protecting Infrastructure**\n- **Tree planting rules:** Bans certain trees near sewerage pipes (Schedules 2 and 3 list specific species and minimum distances—2m or 3.5m depending on the tree). Other trees need written approval if within 1m of water infrastructure (regulation 13)\n- Lets water entities remove damaging trees and recover costs from landowners or councils (regulations 14-15)\n- Restricts access to sewerage infrastructure to authorised employees and licensed plumbers (regulation 16)\n- Allows water supply to be restricted or cut off in emergencies, with public notification requirements (regulation 17)\n\n**Technical & Safety Standards**\n- Recognises registered plumbers to perform regulated work (regulation 20)\n- Requires safety and maintenance plans for infrastructure (regulation 21)\n- Makes customers responsible for reporting damaged water meters (regulation 22)\n- Requires inspection points to sit flush with road surfaces (regulation 23)\n\n**Water Conservation**\n- Lets SA Water issue permits for otherwise prohibited water use during restrictions, subject to conditions (regulations 25-32)\n- Permits can be revoked if water conservation needs change\n\n**Property & Connection Rules**\n- Requires certain properties to connect to sewerage schemes (regulation 33)\n- Bans pipes running across neighbouring property boundaries (with exceptions for strata/community title) (regulation 34)\n- Allows water entities to estimate bills when meters can't be read (regulation 36)\n- Extends special regulatory powers for SA Water until 2029 (regulation 36A)\n\n**Fees & Penalties**\n- Sets fees for reinspections when work fails standards (regulation 35)\n- Fixes expiation (on-the-spot fine) amounts for offences, ranging from $50 to $750 (regulation 41)\n- General penalty for regulation breaches: up to $10,000 (regulation 40)\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThese rules protect public health by ensuring safe water and sewerage systems, prevent damage to expensive underground infrastructure from tree roots, manage water during droughts, and clarify who pays for what when property development affects water services."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/water-industry-regulations-2012","history":"/api/acts/water-industry-regulations-2012/history","analysis":"/api/acts/water-industry-regulations-2012/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/water-industry-regulations-2012/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/water-industry-regulations-2012/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/water-industry-regulations-2012/documents"}}