Water Access Entitlement

A water access entitlement (WAE) is a right to the amount of surface water or groundwater stated in the entitlement. WAE's are given for an amount stated as the lesser of:

• a percentage of the total amount of surface water or groundwater available for taking in the water management area stated in the entitlement; and
• a stated maximum volume.
  It is possible that the volume of water in a WAE will change if the amount of water available in a water management area changes. This may occur due to climate change or other environmental factors and ensures that overallocation of water does not occur.
  
  A Licence to Take Water is also required to take and use the water. A WAE only provides a right of a certain amount of water, it does not allow for water to be taken from any particular location. A licence to take water provides the location from which water can be taken and used. If you have a WAE and are not currently taking the water, you do not need to have a licence to take water.
  
  Applications must include the applicant's name, the amount of water sought, whether it is groundwater or surface water, the intended use of the water, the water management area to which the amount relates and the place where it is intended that water will be accessed.
  
  For more information visit the Environment and Sustainable Development website.