Water resource management
Water resources are managed in the ACT under the Water Resources Act 2007 (the Act). The Office of Water and the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate provide policy functions under the Act.
ACT water resource commitments to the Murray Darling Basin are managed under the ACT Water Resource Plan, accredited and consistent with the Basin Plan.
Water laws
Water laws to take or access water in the ACT are regulated under the Act and administered by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The EPA also regulate water pollution under the Environment Protection Act 1997.
The Utilities Act 2000 sets out a range of the licensing requirements and conditions for utilities.
The ACT Government is a partner to the 2004 Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Water Initiative (NWI). The NWI is responding to the over allocation of Australia’s water resources, and the need for increased efficiency of water use. The NWI is a shared commitment by governments across Australia towards achieving a more cohesive national approach to managing, measuring, planning for, pricing and trading water.
Water licensing and access entitlement
To find out more about water licensing and access entitlements visit our water licensing and access entitlement page.
Rebates, assistance and incentives
The ACT Government provides programs and assistance to save water.
Visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.
For more tips on how to save water, visit the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development website.
Treated drinking water supply and sewers
Supply of treated drinking water and sewers are controlled by Icon Water.
Visit the Icon Water website or call them on 02 6248 3111.
Report water pollution
Read about water quality in our lakes, ponds and rivers on the City Services website.
You can report water pollution.
Call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 for pollution related to:
- spills - accidental or deliberate
- stormwater system and waterways
- fish kills
- algal bloom
- industry-caused water pollution
Report sewer overflows to Icon Water on 02 6248 3111.
Bore search
You can locate bores on the ACTmapi website.
For more information contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.