ABOUT 79 per cent of water users in the Tamworth region have followed the rules in the past six months, compared to 59 per cent in the Liverpool Plains area.
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There was also 68 per cent compliant properties in the Namoi area.
It's data from a new interactive dashboard from the Natural Resources Access Regulators (NRAR), which looks at the rate of compliance and common compliance issues from the past six months.
There were 241 checks undertaken in the Tamworth area, and 17 in the Liverpool Plains according to this dashboard.
Director of regional water regulation (east), Gregory Abood, said he was pleased most water users followed the rules or showed intent to comply with the law.
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NRAR field officers had been on the road from October 1 to March 31 to inspect 3,941 water works, audit more than 2074 properties, and said hello to 1773 water users.
"Our experience meeting with water users face-to-face has confirmed our belief that most water users want to do the right thing. Issues arise when they don't know the rules," Mr Abood said.
"We found more than 70 per cent of water users were following the specific rules this program is focused on. Largely those who broke the rules did so out of a lack of understanding or awareness.
"We know water laws can seem complex, which is why we've put more boots on the ground to meet with water users across the state and help them understand their obligations."
This routine monitoring program aims to get a baseline understanding of compliance behaviour. The field officers do not visit properties involved in current investigations.
The program is focused on helping water users better understand the NSW water rules. While on farm, the officers check water users are recording their water take in a logbook or with a meter, have the correct sized pumps or bores and are ordering water before they pump.
The data derived from the routine monitoring program will inform NRAR's future monitoring, auditing and compliance programs to ensure the regulator is being efficient, proactive and effective in areas where it matters.
The regulator will now assess compliance matters identified through the program and commence investigations for serious matters.
For more information, visit the NRAR website.
To make a confidential report on suspected water misuse, contact the NRAR Hotline on 1800 633 362 or email nrar.enquiries@nrar.nsw.gov.au
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