Thousands face big fines as possible crackdown looms for using bores without correct approvals
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THOUSANDS of people living on the Woy Woy peninsula could be slapped with huge fines in the face of a possible crackdown on residents using bore water without the correct approvals.
Industry experts believe WaterNSW is preparing to crack down on people who do not have “water supply work” approvals to operate bore or spearpoint pumps, a little known State Government requirement in place since 2012.
The crackdown, potentially using hi-tech aerial surveillance technology, has huge implications for the Woy Woy peninsula, the largest residential bore field in NSW that can easily be accessed.
While there are officially 750 domestic bores licensed on the peninsula, it is estimated at least 8000 of the 12,000 properties in the area have bores.
Residents must apply for a “water supply work approval” at a cost of $369.04 for an online application or $403.23 to submit a hard copy form.
Fines for noncompliance range from $750 to a maximum of $1.1 million for individuals to $2.2 million for corporations.
Under a 1916 law, landowners are entitled to the basic right of extracting water from their land for domestic use and/or watering stock with no need for a water access licence.
However, since 2012, they are required to have a water supply approval and all bores need to be installed by licensed drillers.
Colleen Beaman and Clive Wilson of Woy Woy say they are prepared to go to jail rather than pay for the privilege of using water from their own property.
“It’s been a basic right for over 100 years,” Ms Beaman said.
“I will go to court and jail if I have to. Most people don’t even know about it.”
Just days after making inquiries to WaterNSW after hearing about the rule, a registered letter addressed to Mr Wilson arrived threatening action over an “alleged breach” where water was being extracted at the property without the necessary approvals.
The letter said “serious penalties apply for noncompliance”.
Enclosed was an application for a water supply work approval to take groundwater under domestic and stock rights.
A WaterNSW spokesman confirmed all residents with bores or spearpoints must have a water supply work approval.
The spokesman said about 90 per cent of water entitlements are included in a land sale and it is the duty of the conveyancer or solicitor to do a thorough search of all encumbrances or liabilities.
He said the department provided a paid service to solicitors to find out any water interests on parcels of land.
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