Determine whether Part 2 or 3 of Chapter 3 applies. Before taking water, constructing works, or carrying out activities, ascertain whether the water source or area has been declared by proclamation under s 55A or 88A to be subject to the relevant Part. If not, the former provisions of the Water Act 1912 continue to apply by operation of Schedule 10.
Obtain necessary licences and approvals. Apply for an access licence under s 61 for each water source from which water is taken. Apply for a water use approval under s 92 if water will be used for a particular purpose at a particular location. Apply for a water management work approval (water supply work, drainage work, or flood work) under s 92 if constructing or using works. Apply for a controlled activity approval or aquifer interference approval if carrying out activities on waterfront land or interfering with aquifers.
Comply with management plans. Identify the relevant management plan for the water management area or water source. Ensure that all taking of water, use of water, construction of works, and carrying out of activities complies with the water sharing rules, environmental water rules, access licence dealing rules, and any other provisions of the plan.
Install and maintain metering equipment. Section 101A makes metering a mandatory condition of water supply work approvals. Install metering equipment that complies with regulatory standards. Ensure it is properly maintained and its accuracy certified. Comply with record-keeping requirements under s 91J and notification requirements under s 91IA.
Maintain water allocation accounts. Monitor the water allocation account for each access licence under s 85. Do not take water in excess of available water allocations (s 60C). Ensure that water taken is debited appropriately and that any assignments of water allocations (ss 71T, 71V) are properly recorded.
Comply with conditions. Ensure compliance with all mandatory and discretionary conditions of access licences and approvals. Section 60B creates offences for contravening licence conditions by both the licence holder and any person taking water under the licence. Section 91G creates similar offences for approval conditions.
Keep records and provide information. Maintain metering records as required. Comply with notices under s 338A requiring information or records. Provide accurate information. Section 344 creates offences for false or misleading information.
Respond to directions. Comply promptly with any direction under Chapter 7, Part 1, including directions concerning waste of water (s 325), metering (s 326), stop work orders (ss 327-328), and protection of water sources (s 333). Section 336C provides that failure to comply is an offence, and the direction continues to have effect until complied with (s 395A).
Manage security interests and dealings. Record dealings in the Access Register under Schedule 1A. Ensure appropriate consents are obtained from co-holders and security holders. Comply with the access licence dealing principles (s 71Z) and dealing rules in management plans.
Pay fees and charges. Pay all fees, charges and administrative penalties imposed under the Act. Unpaid amounts may be recovered as a debt (s 362C) and may lead to suspension or cancellation of licences or approvals (ss 78, 109).