Understanding Domestic and Stock Water Requirements
How much water do you need for your situation?
What can you legally use your water for?
Do you need approvals or licences?
Will your water use be subject to volumetric limits?
These are important questions, and getting the answers right from the start can save you stress, avoid compliance issues, and ensure your property has enough water to support your family and your stock.
Under NSW water law, the rules that apply to you depend on your land, your water source, and how you intend to use the water. While general guidance is available, every property is different, and your individual circumstances will determine the most suitable and lawful approach.
Knowing Your Basic Landholder Rights, Domestic and Stock Rights, and Harvestable Rights
Understanding your water rights is essential for managing your property confidently and lawfully. In NSW, landholders may be entitled to access water under Basic Landholder Rights (BLR), Domestic and Stock Rights, or Harvestable Rights - each with its own rules and requirements.
Basic Landholder Rights (BLR)
Basic Landholder Rights allow owners or occupiers of land that overlies an aquifer to take groundwater for domestic consumption or stock watering. To access groundwater under BLR, you must obtain a water supply work approval to construct a bore, well, or spearpoint.
Kardell Water Advisory is experienced in interpreting Water Sharing Plans and preparing BLR applications. From assessing eligibility to lodging the approval, we manage the entire process with ease so you can focus on your property.
Domestic and Stock Rights (formerly Riparian Rights)
Domestic and stock rights apply when a landholding has direct frontage to a surface water source. In these cases, landholders may take water without requiring an approval, provided the water is used strictly for:
Domestic household purposes
Watering stock (non‑intensive)
These rights were previously known as riparian rights, though the modern framework includes some differences. If you’re unsure whether your situation meets the criteria, we can assess your circumstances and provide clear guidance.
If you require domestic water but your property does not front a surface water source, we can advise on alternative pathways - such as occupation rights, approvals, or a specific‑purpose water access licence.
Considering a Harvestable Rights Dam?
A Harvestable Rights Dam can be an excellent option for improving water security, but suitability depends on your land’s location. We can determine whether your property falls within a Harvestable Rights Zone and what dam capacity you are permitted.
Harvestable rights allow NSW landholders to capture and store a proportion of rainfall runoff without needing a water access licence, water supply work approval, or water use approval. These dams may be constructed on:
Non‑permanent minor streams
Hillsides
Gullies
However, they cannot be built on or within 40 metres of a third‑order or higher‑order stream, and additional site‑specific factors may apply.
The percentage of rainfall runoff you may capture, and how that water can be used, varies by zone. Because each landholding is unique, accurate advice is essential before planning or constructing a dam.
If you’d like to understand your eligibility, allowable capacity, or how harvestable rights apply to your property, contact Kardell Water Advisory. We can guide you through the requirements and help you make informed, confident decisions about your water security.
More information
WaterNSW provides helpful fact sheets that explain domestic and stock rights, licensing requirements, and groundwater rules. These resources are a great starting point, but personalised advice is often the key to making confident, informed decisions about your water needs - this is where Kardell Water Advisory can help.
You can find out more information about Basic Landholder Rights on the WaterNSW website, or get in touch with us to find out how we can help you with your domestic and stock water requirements.
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Get clarity around your domestic and stock water requirements
Save yourself the stress and avoid compliance issues with help from Kardell Water Advisory.