There are six separate water resource management acts. These are the:
- .
Through the the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation leads water resources management in Western Australia by coordinating cross-government efforts to protect and manage water resources.
Section 9 of the Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984 outlines the general functions of the Minister for Water, including:
- conserving, protecting and managing water resources
- assessing water resources
- planning for the use of water resources
- promoting the efficient use of water resources
- promoting the efficient provision of water services
- preparing plans for and providing advice on flood management.
The and provide for the regulation, management, use and protection of water resources. This act vests the State鈥檚 groundwater and surface water resources to the Crown. Licences are required for the taking and using of water; and permits for activities that may damage, obstruct or interfere with water flow or the beds and banks of watercourses and wetlands in proclaimed rivers, surface water management areas and irrigation districts.
The objects in Section 4 of the provide for the sustainable use and development of water resources, protection of their ecosystems and the environment in which water resources are situated, and for assisting the integration of water resources management with other natural resources management.
The (CAWS Act) and and associated by-laws protect the state's public drinking water sources, i.e. proclaimed catchment areas, water reserves and underground water pollution control areas.
The clearing of vegetation is controlled under the , and .
The and are used to manage the clearing of vegetation to prevent salinisation of water resources in the Mundaring Weir, Wellington Dam, Harris River Dam and Denmark River catchment areas and the Warren River and Kent River water reserves.
Declared waterways management areas are protected and managed under the . The Albany waterways are the Avon River, Wilson Inlet, Peel Inlet and Leschenault Inlet management areas.
The provides for an arterial drainage scheme and the declaration of drainage courses.
Refer to the current water resources management acts, regulations, by-laws and codes for further information.
