Beneficial Use Declarations
Water is an essential part of our daily lives and nowhere more so than in the Northern Territory. From the deserts of the centre to the Top End tropics, water is used to sustain communities, industry, horticulture, agriculture, recreational activities and ecosystems.
Over the years, growing urbanisation, changing agricultural practices and industrial needs have increased the demand for fresh water and this has increased the pollution of water bodies. Water pollution has the potential to limit economic development by affecting drinking water supplies and impacting on rural living, fishing, aquatic systems, recreation and tourism.
As these activities increase, so does the potential for pollution to our water resources.
Beneficial Uses (water values) is a legislated process that assists in the protection and management of water resources. The community decides how a particular water body can be used by identifying what values they place on that water body.
- Beneficial Use Declarations fact sheet (pdf 79Kb)
NT Water Act 1992
The management and protection of the Northern Territory’s water resources is controlled under the Water Act 1992. The Water Act legislates the extent to which both surface and ground water can be used and for what purpose. Waste discharge to natural waters is prohibited unless licensed under the Act. Waste Discharge Licences are only available in areas where Benefi cial Uses have been declared.
- Water Act fact sheet (pdf 321Kb)
For further information:
WQQP Project Officer
Telephone: 08 8999 4538
Email: wqpp.nreta@nt.gov.au
