16Water pollution

16  Water pollution

 (1) For the purposes of this instrument, water pollution occurs when waters contain a polluting substance or organism that causes, or is reasonably likely to cause:

 (a) the physical, chemical or biological condition of the waters to be adversely affected; or

 (b) an adverse effect on beneficial use of the waters.

 (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), waters contain a substance or organism if:

 (a) the substance or organism is dissolved in the waters; or

 (b) the substance or organism is:

 (i) suspended or otherwise dispersed in the waters; or

 (ii) floating on the surface of the waters; or

 (iii) deposited on the bed of the waters;

  whether or not the substance or organism is capable of uniformly mixing with water

adverse effect includes the effects so described:

 (a) in Schedule 2; or

 (b) if a relevant local standard applies in substitution for Schedule 2—in that local standard.

beneficial use means a use conducive to public health, safety, aesthetic enjoyment or other benefit.

waters means marine, estuarine or fresh waters, and includes the following:

 (a) a body of water;

 (b) a natural watercourse;

 (c) a swamp or wetland;

 (d) groundwater;

 (e) water in a channel, drain, pipe or other artificial holding facility (unless it is water in a system for the passage of sewage, or for the passage or trapping of pollution).