8.1.3.Rules for new dams

Water allocation in NSW has become tighter with the spread of irrigation and increased rural development. Subdivision dams play a role by diverting water that would otherwise flow to streams and rivers.
The NSW Farm Dams Policy gives all landholders the right to capture and use a harvestable right of runoff on their property. This must be done in consultation with the NSW Office of Water.
Existing domestic and stock dams constructed before 1 January 1999 are not affected by this ruling. However, new domestic and stock dams as well as dams of whatever age built for commercial irrigation purposes must abide by the new legislation. There is also an exemption for small properties that received development consent before 1999.