Water allocation framework

This project aims to update the way water is currently allocated for use in Northland and will ensure that the region's water resources are more sustainably managed in the future.

The first stage of this project, a ‘stock take' of Northland's water resources, began in early 2010. The stock take is made up of two parts, firstly finding out how much water is used and secondly how much water there is within the region's aquifers and rivers.

Field investigations over the next three years will increase our understanding of how much water is in Northland's rivers and aquifers and how much water is required to maintain the ecological values of our water bodies.

Consultation with water users and the community will follow with appropriate allocation limits set that will both protect the environment and provide users with a reasonable security of supply.