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Resource Consent for Water Take: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn how to obtain a legal right to draw water for your crops or livestock and avoid common pitfalls regarding allocation limits.

A Resource Consent for Water Take is a legal permission that allows you to draw water from a source for specific uses.

Who it's for

This is for farmers who need to use water for irrigation to support their crops or livestock.

What you get

You receive the legal right to take water from a source for your designated needs, such as watering crops or providing water for stock.

What it costs you

You will need to pay application fees to the relevant council and cover the costs of ongoing monitoring to ensure you are following the rules.

The catch to know

You must be careful not to exceed your allowed daily allocation limits, especially during the peak summer months when water use is highest.

How to apply

  • Contact your local regional council to understand the specific requirements for your area.
  • Prepare your application detailing how much water you need and for what purpose.
  • Submit your application and pay the required fees.
  • Maintain records of your water use to comply with monitoring requirements.