The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) has started prosecution in Albury Local Court for metering and licence offences alleged to have occurred at a Stoney Crossing property, between Balranald and Swan Hill.
The company faces a total of fourteen charges including ten counts of taking water without ordering it first, one of taking water without allocation, one count of using a pump while the meter wasn't working properly, and two of failing to install compliant metering.
The owner faces twelve charges, including ten of taking water without ordering it first, one of taking water without allocation, and one of taking water while the meter wasn't working properly.
NRAR will allege that several water supply works were used to take water from the Wakool River and Merran Creek, which were both part of the NSW Murray Regulated River Water Source at the time of the alleged offending.
NRAR director of investigations and enforcement Lisa Stockley said the bulk of the charges related to taking water without ordering it first.
“In NSW, you can’t take water now and pay it back later,” Ms Stockley said.
“If you do, not only will you break the law, but you also risk limiting water access for other water users and potentially damage the environment too.
“It's a pretty simple rule to follow - order the water first, wait for approval, then pump.”
Ms Stockley said NRAR was also serious about ensuring people complied with metering rules.
“The purpose of the non-urban metering regulation is to ensure that water taken from our rivers and groundwater sources is accurately measured and accounted for.
"These rules are crucial to ensure everyone gets a fair share of the state's water resources.“
It's the second time this year the regulator has begun a prosecution that involves metering charges.
In the previous case, a Condobolin region farmer is alleged to have pumped water from a creek when the meter wasn't working, and in breach of licence conditions.
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