The management and protection of the Northern Territory’s water resources are controlled under the Water Act 2001. The Water Act legislates the extent to which both ground and surface water can be used and for what purpose.
Waste discharge to natural waters is prohibited unless licensed under the Act. Waste discharge licences are available in areas where Beneficial Uses have been [BLOCKED]d. Beneficial Use categories are Agricultural, Cultural, Aquaculture, Public Water Supply, Environment, Riparian and Manufacturing Industry
Additional policy-based protection exists for waterways and wetlands within Australia, including Commonwealth law, such as the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and international conventions such as Ramsar.
By gaining an understanding of the legislative protection which has been put into place to protect water quality in the NT, it becomes possible to protect this valuable resource for present and future generations.
