Know your water management
Managing water is essential for the future of the Northern Territory (NT).
The Territory’s water systems are unique, shaped by vast landscapes, highly seasonal rainfall and complex groundwater systems, requiring locally tailored water management.
Water plans
Water allocation plans in the NT are developed under the Water Act 1992 to manage groundwater and surface water within declared water control districts.
Plans balance the needs of water users with environmental and cultural value.
Key facts:
- Water plans set how much water can be taken.
- Water plans last for 10 years and are reviewed every 5 years.
- Each plan covers a specific area and water resource.
For more information, get the water plan fact sheet PDF (285.0 KB).
Estimated sustainable yield
An estimated sustainable yield (ESY) is established under a water allocation plan for the water resources it manages.
Water resource management in the NT balances productive use of water with the long-term viability of the resource and the ecosystems that depend on it.
The ESY is underpinned by water science, monitoring and assessment, and overlaid with community economic, social and environmental values of the region, balancing their risks and tradeoffs.
Key facts:
- The ESY sets how much water can be allocated from a water resource.
- Water use within a plan area must remain below the ESY.
- Water within the ESY still requires a water licence before it can be taken.
For more information, get the ESY factsheet PDF (395.1 KB).
Beneficial use
Beneficial uses describe how the community values and uses water resources.
Declared under the Act, beneficial uses guide water allocation plans and licensing by recognising different water quality needs for various purposes, including environmental, cultural, agricultural and industrial uses.
Key facts:
- Beneficial uses describe how communities value and use water.
- They guide water allocation planning, licensing and water quality requirements.
- The public can have input through the consultation process.
For more information, get the beneficial use factsheet PDF (333.5 KB).
Water extraction licence
A water extraction licence is required to take groundwater or surface water using a bore or pump system, except for stock and domestic use.
Key facts:
- A licence is required to take water for commercial activities.
- A licence is not required for household, small garden, stock or domestic use.
- Applications can take at least 3 to 4 months to process.
For more information, get the water licence factsheet PDF (399.7 KB).
Water trading
Water trading in the NT allows water licence holders to buy or sell some or all their water entitlement, subject to any additional rules in local water allocation plans.
Trading allows water to be shared in areas where new licences can’t be granted. Trades are privately negotiated between licence holders and only take effect once approved by the Controller of Water Resources. Simple applications are usually processed within 2 weeks.
Key facts:
- Water licence holders can buy or sell some or all of their water entitlement.
- Trades are privately negotiated between the buyer and seller.
- Water trades only take effect once approved by the Controller of Water Resources.
For more information, get the water trade factsheet PDF (370.6 KB).
Learn more
Go to the Northern Territory Government website to read about: