New South Wales Consolidated Regulations New South Wales Consolidated RegulationsThe following definitions apply to this Plan
in addition to the definitions set out in the Act:
"abandoned" (work) refers to a water supply work (bore) that is no longer
being used.
"aquifer compaction" refers to the reduction in the porosity (pore spaces) of
an aquifer, and may result from over pumping the aquifer.
"available water" in relation to a water management area or water source, is
the water that is available in that area or water source in accordance with an
available water determination that is in force in respect of that area or
water source.
"available water determination" is a written Order by the Minister as to the
availability of water for the various categories of access licence in relation
to a specified water management area or water source.
Note: An available water determination gives rise to a water allocation that is credited to a water allocation account for each access licence."contamination sources", relates to activities that have resulted in the presence of a substance in the groundwater source at a concentration above that at which the substance is normally present, and at a level that presents a risk of harm to human health or reduces the beneficial use of a groundwater source.
Note: Contamination sources can arise from a range of industrial and other land based activities. The impact of some activities will be temporary, while others pose a risk over a much longer timeframe. In some instances, particularly when the land use has involved hazardous substances, the source may be threatening to humans, or may affect the current or future beneficial uses of the groundwater source. Determining in any particular case whether or not contamination presents a significant risk of harm can be complex and difficult. It involves considerations such as the type, nature, quantity and concentration of contaminants, how they manifest themselves and the nature of their impact in the particular groundwater source. It also involves broader questions such as the current use of the groundwater source, who might be exposed to the contamination under that use, and whether they would be exposed."drawdown" refers to a lowering of the level to which water will rise in cased bores. Natural drawdown may occur due to seasonal climatic changes. Groundwater pumping may also result in seasonal and long-term drawdown.