Water quantity and allocation
Waikato Regional Council uses technical tools like modelling, hydrology and expert advice to understand flows and levels of waterbodies, and the current state of our groundwater and surface water. These flows and volumes are used in the management and allocation of water.
As part of the Freshwater Policy Review, we will be seeking ways in which we can provide equitable access to water while securing its long-term availability and protecting its ecosystem health. Our first step is to take a closer look at how much water is available (water quantity) and how it’s being distributed (allocation).
Water quantity is about how much water is available in our rivers, lakes, wetlands and underground aquifers. Allocation is the process by which the council manages and permits the use of that water for things like drinking water, farming, industry and marae.
Right now, the system works on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, resulting in some water users missing out when water runs low. While this may not be ideal, it is the framework set out in the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), which the council is required to follow.
We also acknowledge that water allocation decisions can also affect the health and wellbeing of waterbodies and the ability of iwi and hapū to practice traditional rites and customs with their ancestral waters. Therefore, changes to the way water is allocated will be essential to ensuring there is enough of it to go around.
He mana tō reo | Your voice matters
We want to know whether our policy approach meets the needs and interests of tangata whenua.
Click on the feedback form below and find out the council’s draft policy approach, then submit your feedback.
The feedback you share will help shape the provisions we come up with, which we will test back with you to ensure we’re on the right track.