Australian Water Information Dictionary

Water status: National Water Account 2012-2015

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% full

The total volume of water in storage as a percentage of the total storage capacity. Note that the percentage full may exceed 100% due to floods for example.

This definition applies to:

abstraction

The removal of water from a water store.

This definition applies to:

accessible storage capacity

The volume of water that a water storage can hold between the minimum supply level and full supply level; equal to the total storage capacity excluding the dead storage capacity. In the Bureau water storage application, it is the sum of this capacity that is reported for a collection of water storages. See the water storage diagram for more information.

This definition applies to:

accessible storage volume

The volume of water stored at a particular time and date. It excludes the dead storage volume and hence is the volume of water that can be accessed under normal circumstances without the installation of additional infrastructure. See the water storage diagram for more information.

Synonym: volume

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 1.1 – storage

Water in artificial or natural water storages connected to rivers, for which primary purpose is medium to long term water storage to service surface water access rights. These storages can be managed by an organisation to provide water to a rural or urban water system. Weirs that are used primarily to redirect flows are excluded. The volumetric capacity reported includes dead storage capacity.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 1.10 – other surface water assets

Physical and non-physical surface water assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 1.2 – unregulated river

A river where there is no entitlement system at all or where there is an entitlement system which does not allow orders to be placed for upstream release of a licensed allocation. It includes locks and weirs used primarily to redirect flows that are located on unregulated stretches of river.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 1.3 – regulated river

A river on which a licensed entitlement regime exists with centralised allocation, and from which orders may be placed for upstream release of a licensed allocation. A necessary, but not sufficient condition for a river to be regulated is that it is located downstream of a surface water storage. Includes locks and weirs used primarily to redirect flows that are located on regulated stretches of river.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 1.4 – lakes and wetlands

Other water bodies, of natural origin, for which the primary purpose is not abstractive or consumptive use. They may include water in natural lakes, ponds, lagoons, wetlands, billabongs and groundwater-fed water bodies that are not classified as storages based on their primary purpose.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 1.5 – inter–region claim on water

A claim to water outside the region held on behalf of the surface water. It includes claims resulting from:

• an announced allocation held on a water resource located outside the region

• inter-government agreements at allocation (retail) level

It excludes claims resulting from:

• inter-government agreements to share water before it is allocated

• water traded into the region

• contract to deliver desalinated sea water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 1.6 – claim on water traded into the region

A claim to water resulting from water traded into the region held on behalf of the surface water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 1.7 – claim on desalinated water

A claim to desalinated sea water held on behalf of the surface water. It excludes claims on behalf of the urban water system, which are reported in account 2012-2015 line item 3.6 – urban claim on desalinated water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 1.8 – other claims on water

A claim to water held on behalf of the surface water other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 1.9 – overdraft of surface water allocation

A claim to water held on behalf of the surface water, following an overdraft of surface water allocation by an allocation holder that is not part of the water accounting region. This can be thought of as an 'advance draw'. It includes overdraft by private allocation holders.

It only includes overdraft by urban water system and irrigation schemes when those are not part of the water accounting region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.1 – groundwater inflow from outside region

Lateral flow of groundwater into the region's groundwater from inland groundwater aquifers that extend outside the region. It excludes lateral flow of groundwater from coastal aquifers.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.10 – discharge from urban water system to groundwater

Discharge from the urban water system either directly or indirectly to the region's groundwater. It includes recycled water discharge to infiltration basins for the purpose of recharging groundwater and wastewater discharge to groundwater via infiltration.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.11 – delivery of claimed water to groundwater

Delivery of water to the region's groundwater to service a prior claim recognised on behalf of the groundwater.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.12 – increase of groundwater claims on water

Increase of claim held on behalf of the region's groundwater. It includes claims resulting from:

• an announced allocation held on a water resource located outside the region

• inter-government agreements at allocation (retail) level

• water traded into the region.

It excludes claims resulting from inter-government agreements to share water before it is allocated.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.13 – other groundwater increases

Increases of physical and non-physical groundwater assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.2 – groundwater inflow from outside region at coast

Lateral flow of groundwater into the region from groundwater aquifers that extend outside the region at the coast.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.3 – recharge from landscape

Diffuse recharge from landscape to the region's groundwater due to both natural and artificial processes. It includes irrigation induced recharge. It excludes urban infiltration basin recharge or managed aquifer recharge.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.4 – recharge from surface water

Recharge from surface water to the region's groundwater. It includes the deliberate recharge of groundwater from surface water storages and rivers.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.5 – leakage from off – channel water storage

Leakage from off-channel water storages to the region's groundwater.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.6 – leakage from urban water system

Leakage from urban water systems to the region's groundwater. It includes exfiltration from wastewater collection systems. It includes leakage from non-potable, potable and recycled water supply systems. It excludes pipe bursts, overflows or spills.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.7 – leakage from irrigation scheme

Leakage from an irrigation scheme to the region's groundwater. It includes leakage from irrigation channels, tanks and storages that form part of the irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.8 – managed aquifer recharge – private user

Managed aquifer recharge other than from the urban water system to the region's groundwater. It includes stormwater and industrial wastewater used for managed aquifer recharge and for a managed aquifer recharge scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 10.9 – managed aquifer recharge – urban water system

Managed aquifer recharge from the urban water system to the region's groundwater. It includes non-potable and recycled water used in a managed aquifer recharge scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.1 – precipitation on urban water system

All forms in which water falls on the region's urban water system as rain, sleet, snow, hail, or drizzle. It includes precipitation on wastewater treatment lagoons or ponds, recycled water storages and off-channel water storages that are part of the urban water system. It excludes precipitation on surface water storages.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.10 – delivery of traded water to urban water system

Delivery of water into the region's urban water system to service a prior claim resulting from water traded into the region (see account 2012-2015 line item 11.16 – increase of urban claim on traded water).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.11 – delivery of claimed desalinated water to urban water system

Delivery of desalinated sea water to the region's urban water system to service a prior claim recognised on behalf of the urban water system. It excludes delivery of desalinated sea water where no prior claim has been recognised (see account 2012-2015 line item 11.6 – delivery of desalinated water to urban water system). It excludes water delivered to an urban water system from the region's surface water that was originally desalinated water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.12 – entitled diversion of allocated surface water to urban water system

Diversion of surface water to the region's urban water system to service a prior allocation announced on behalf of the urban water system. It includes diversions under account 2012-2015 line item 32.3 – surface water access entitlement for allocation diversion.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.13 – entitled extraction of allocated groundwater to urban water system

Diversion of groundwater to the region's urban water system to service a prior allocation announced on behalf of the urban water system. It includes diversions under account 2012-2015 line item 33.3 – groundwater access entitlement for allocation diversion.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.14 – other delivery of water to urban water system

Delivery of physical water to the region's urban water system other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.15 – increase of inter – region claim on water by urban water system

Increase of claims to water outside the region on behalf of the urban water system. It includes claims resulting from:

• an announced allocation held on a water resource located outside the region

• agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes claims resulting from:

• water traded into the region

• contract to deliver desalinated sea water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.16 – increase of urban claim on traded water

Increase of claim held on behalf of the urban water system resulting from water traded into the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.17 – increase of urban claim on desalinated water

Increase of claim to desalinated sea water held on behalf of the urban water system. It excludes an increase of claim held on behalf of the surface water (see line item 9.17 – increase of surface water claim on desalinated water).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.18 – increase of urban claim on surface water

Increase of claim on the region's surface water held on behalf of the urban water system. It includes allocations announced or otherwise recognised during the reporting period on the region's surface water for the urban water system.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.19 – increase of urban claim on groundwater

Increase of claim on the region's groundwater held on behalf of the urban water system. It includes allocations announced or otherwise recognised during the reporting period on the region's groundwater for the urban water system.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.2 – entitled diversion of non-allocated surface water to urban water system

Diversion from the region's surface water into the urban water system where no prior claim has been recognised on behalf of the urban water system. It includes diversions under 32.2–surface water access entitlement for non-allocated diversions and the 32.1–other statutory surface water rights.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.20 – increase of other urban claims on water

Increase of claim held on behalf of the region's urban water system other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.21 – other urban water system increases

Increases of physical and non-physical urban water system assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.3 – entitled extraction of non–allocated groundwater to urban water system

Extraction from the region's groundwater into the urban water system where no prior claim has been recognised on behalf of the urban water system. It includes extractions under 33.2 Groundwater access entitlement for direct extraction and 33.1 Other statutory groundwater rights.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.4 – wastewater collected

Metered volume of wastewater collected by the wastewater collection network, which is part of the region's wastewater system. It includes wastewater discharged following the use of water supplied via the region's urban water supply system or taken individually (e.g. from rainwater tanks).

It excludes wastewater collected by urban utilities outside the region and then transferred into the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.5 – delivery of water from outside region to urban water system

Delivery of imported water to the region's urban water system where no prior claim has been recognised on behalf of the urban water system. It includes potable, non-potable, wastewater and recycled water transferred into the region by urban water agencies servicing an area that extends outside the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.6 – delivery of desalinated water to urban water system

Delivery of desalinated sea water to the region's urban water system where no prior claim has been recognised on behalf of the urban water system.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.7 – stormwater ingress

Ingress of stormwater into the region's wastewater system.

Note: This item shouldn't be considered as part of the urban water system increases. Wastewater collected (metered volume) includes this component (see account 2012-2015 line item 11.4). However, this item is to be considered as part of the 'Landscape store decrease'.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.8 – infiltration from groundwater to urban water system

Infiltration of groundwater into the region's wastewater system.

Note: This item shouldn't be considered as part of the 'Urban water system increases'. Wastewater collected (metered volume) includes this component (see account 2012-2015 line item 11.4). However, this item is to be considered as part of the 'Groundwater store decrease'.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 11.9 – delivery of water to urban water system under inter-region agreement

Delivery of imported water to the region's urban water system to service a prior claim recognised on behalf of the urban water system. The prior claim may be an announced allocation held on a water resource located outside the region or another agreement at allocation (retail level), but excludes water trade and contracts for the delivery of desalinated sea water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.1 – precipitation on irrigation scheme

All forms in which water falls on the region's irrigation scheme as rain, sleet, snow, hail, or drizzle. F873It includes precipitation on irrigation supply and collection channels, and irrigation scheme storages.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.10 – entitled extraction of allocated groundwater to irrigation scheme

Diversion of groundwater to the region's irrigation scheme to service a prior allocation announced on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes diversions under account 2012-2015 line item 33.3 – groundwater access entitlement for allocation diversion.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.11 – other delivery of water to irrigation scheme

Delivery of physical water to the region's irrigation scheme other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.12 – increase of irrigation scheme inter-region claim on water

Increase of claims to water outside the region on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes claims resulting from:

• an announced allocation held on a water resource located outside the region

• agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes claims resulting from:

• water traded into the region

• contract to deliver desalinated sea water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.13 – increase of irrigation scheme claim on traded water

Increase of claim held on behalf of the irrigation scheme resulting from water traded into the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.14 – increase of irrigation scheme claim on desalinated water

Increase of claim to desalinated sea water held on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It excludes an increase of claim held on behalf of the surface water (see line item 9.17 – increase of surface water claim on desalinated water).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.15 – increase of irrigation scheme claim on surface water

Increase of claim on the region's surface water held on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes allocations announced or otherwise recognised during the reporting period on the region's surface water for the irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.16 – increase of irrigation scheme claim on groundwater

Increase of claim on the region's groundwater held on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes allocations announced or otherwise recognised during the reporting period on the region's groundwater for the irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.17 – increase of other irrigation scheme claims on water

Increase of claim held on behalf of the region's irrigation scheme other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.18 – other irrigation water increases

Increases of physical and non-physical irrigation scheme assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.2 – entitled diversion of non – allocated surface water to irrigation scheme

Diversion from the region's surface water into the irrigation scheme where no prior claim has been recognised on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes diversions under 32.2 – surface water access entitlement for non-allocated diversions and 32.1 – other statutory surface water rights.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.3 – entitled extraction of non-allocated groundwater to irrigation scheme

Extraction from the region's groundwater into the irrigation scheme where no prior claim has been recognised on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes extractions under 33.2 Groundwater access entitlement for direct extraction and 33.1 Other statutory groundwater rights.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.4 – discharge from urban water system to irrigation scheme

Delivery of water from the region's urban water system to the irrigation scheme where no prior claim has been recognised on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes recycled water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.5 – delivery of water from outside region to irrigation scheme

Delivery of imported water to the region's irrigation scheme where no prior claim has been recognised on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes water transferred into the region by irrigation entities servicing an area that extends outside the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.6 – delivery of water to irrigation scheme under inter–region agreement

Delivery of imported water to the region's irrigation scheme to service a prior claim recognised on behalf of the irrigation scheme. The prior claim may be an announced allocation held on a water resource located outside the region or another agreement at allocation (retail level), but excludes water trade and contracts for the delivery of desalinated sea water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.7 – delivery of traded water to irrigation scheme

Delivery of water into the region's irrigation scheme to service a prior claim resulting from water traded into the region (see line item 12.13 – increase of irrigation scheme claim on traded water).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.8 – delivery of claimed desalinated water to irrigation scheme

Delivery of desalinated sea water to the region's irrigation scheme to service a prior claim recognised on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It excludes delivery of desalinated sea water where no prior claim has been recognised.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 12.9 – entitled diversion of allocated surface water to irrigation scheme

Diversion of surface water to the region's irrigation scheme to service a prior allocation announced on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes diversions under account 2012-2015 line item 32.3 – surface water access entitlement for allocation diversion.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 13.1 – adjustment and forfeiture of surface water allocation

Adjustment and forfeiture of allocation on the surface water held on behalf of users other than the urban water system. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of allocation for:

• private users and irrigation schemes where those are not identified as a water asset of the water accounting region

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

It excludes adjustment and forfeiture of allocation for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region (reported in line item 13.3 – adjustment and forfeiture of surface water allocation – irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 13.2 – adjustment and forfeiture of surface water allocation – urban water system

Adjustment and forfeiture of allocation on the surface water held on behalf the urban water system. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of allocation for:

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 13.3 – adjustment and forfeiture of surface water allocation – irrigation scheme

Adjustment and forfeiture of allocation on the surface water held on behalf of irrigation schemes where those are identified as water asset of the water accounting region. It excludes adjustment and forfeiture of allocation for:

• irrigation scheme considered as users not part of the water assets of the water accounting region (reported in line item 13.1–adjustment and forfeiture of surface water allocation).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 13.4 – adjustment and forfeiture of inter-region commitment on surface water

Adjustment and forfeiture of inter-region commitment on surface water (see line item 5.4–inter-region commitment on surface water) approved during the reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) that has not been serviced at the end of the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 13.5 – adjustment and forfeiture of traded surface water commitment

Adjustment and forfeiture of commitment resulting from trade of surface water out of the region (see line item 5.5 – commitment on water traded out of the region) approved during the reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) that has not been serviced at the end of the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 13.6 – other surface water liability decreases

Decreases of surface water liabilities other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 14.1 – adjustment and forfeiture of groundwater allocation

Adjustment and forfeiture of allocation on the groundwater held on behalf of users other than the urban water system. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of allocation for:

• private users and irrigation schemes where those are not identified as a water asset of the water accounting region

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

It excludes adjustment and forfeiture of allocation for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region (reported in line item 14.3 – adjustment and forfeiture of groundwater allocation – irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 14.2 – adjustment and forfeiture of groundwater allocation – urban water system

Adjustment and forfeiture of allocation on the groundwater held on behalf the urban water system. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of allocation for:

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 14.3 – adjustment and forfeiture of groundwater allocation – irrigation scheme

Adjustment and forfeiture of allocation on the groundwater held on behalf of irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region.

It excludes adjustment and forfeiture of allocation for:

• irrigation scheme where those are considered as users not part of the water assets of the water accounting region (reported in line item 14.1 – adjustment and forfeiture of groundwater allocation).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 14.4 – adjustment and forfeiture of inter–region commitment on groundwater

Adjustment and forfeiture of inter-region commitment on groundwater (see line item 6.4 – inter-region commitment on groundwater) approved during the reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) that has not been serviced at the end of the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 14.5 – adjustment and forfeiture of traded groundwater commitment

Adjustment and forfeiture of commitment resulting from trade of groundwater out of the region (see line item 6.5 – commitment on traded out groundwater) approved during the reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) that has not been serviced at the end of the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 14.6 – other groundwater liability decreases

Decreases of groundwater liabilities other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 15.1 – adjustment and forfeiture of urban water system commitment to deliver water

Adjustment and forfeiture of commitment made during the reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) to deliver water from the region's urban water system to users within or out of the region or to other urban water systems out of the region. It excludes adjustment and forfeiture of commitment to deliver water to surface water, groundwater and the irrigation scheme where those are part of the water accounting region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 15.2 – other urban water system liability decreases

Decreases of urban water system liabilities other than those defined elsewhere. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of commitment to deliver water to surface water, groundwater and the irrigation scheme where those are part of the water accounting region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 16.1 – adjustment and forfeiture of irrigation scheme commitment to deliver water

Adjustment and forfeiture of commitment made during the reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) to deliver water from the region's irrigation scheme to users within or out of the region or to other irrigation schemes out of the region. It excludes adjustment and forfeiture of commitment to deliver water to surface water, groundwater and the urban water system where those are part of the water accounting region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 16.2 – other irrigation scheme liability decreases

Decreases of irrigation scheme liabilities other than those defined elsewhere. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of commitment to deliver water to surface water, groundwater and the F910urban water system where those are part of the water accounting region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.1 – evaporation from surface water

Movement of water from the region's surface water to the atmosphere (water vapour).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.10 – river and floodplain leakage, evaporation and errors

All uncalculated flows and changes in storage and errors made on calculated terms related to the surface water. The main uncalculated ouflows may include: runoff water evaporated or leaked from the floodplain and not reaching the rivers, overbank flood water, leakage to groundwater and evaporation from rivers.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.11 – entitled diversion of allocated surface water to users

Surface water diverted to users other than the urban water system, under water access entitlements for which an allocation has been recognised (see line item 32.3 – surface water access entitlement for allocated diversions). It includes allocated diversions for:

• private users and irrigation schemes where those are not identified as a water asset of the water accounting region

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

It excludes allocated diversions for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region (reported in line item 17.13 – entitled diversion of allocated surface water to irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.12 – entitled diversion of allocated surface water to urban water system

Surface water diverted to urban water system, under water access entitlements for which an allocation has been recognised (see account 2012-2015 line item 32.3 – surface water access entitlement for allocation diversion). It includes allocated diversions for:

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.13 – entitled diversion of allocated surface water to irrigation scheme

Surface water diverted to irrigation schemes under water access entitlements for which an allocation has been recognised (see line item 32.3 – surface water access entitlement for allocated diversions). It includes allocated diversions for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as water asset of the water accounting region

It excludes allocated diversions for:

• irrigation scheme where those are considered as users not part of the water assets of the water accounting region (reported in line item 17.11 – entitled diversion of allocated surface water to users).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.14 – surface water transfer under inter-region commitment

Surface water transferred out of the region under a recognised inter-region commitment to deliver surface water (see line item 5.4 – inter-region commitment on surface water).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.15 – surface water transfer under trade commitment

Surface water transferred out of the region under a recognised commitment to deliver surface water traded to another region (see line item 5.5 – commitment on water traded out of the region).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.16 – other delivery of allocated surface water

Surface water diverted under a recognised commitment to deliver surface water other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.17 – decrease of inter – region surface water claim on water

Decrease of claim to water outside the region held on behalf of the surface water. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of claims resulting from:

• an announced allocation held on a water resource located outside the region

• inter-government agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes adjustment and forfeiture of claims resulting from:

• inter-government agreements to share water before it is allocated

• water traded into the region

• contracts to deliver desalinated sea water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.18 – decrease of surface water claim on traded water

Decrease of claim to water resulting from water traded into the region held on behalf of the surface water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.19 – decrease of surface water claim on desalinated water

Decrease of claim to desalinated sea water held on behalf of the surface water. It excludes claims on behalf of the urban water system, which are reported in line item 19.16 – adjustment and forfeiture of urban claim on desalinated water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.2 – river outflow from the region

River outflow from the region to either a downstream region or the sea.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.20 – decrease of other surface water claims on water

Decrease of claims to water held on behalf of the surface water other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.21 – other surface water decreases

Decreases of physical and non-physical surface water assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.3 – leakage to groundwater

Leakage from either the surface water, urban system or irrigation scheme to the region's groundwater. It excludes pipe bursts, overflows or spills, which are classified as leakage to landscape.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.4 – leakage to landscape

Leakage from either the surface water, urban water system or irrigation scheme to the unsaturated zone of the soil profile and which does not infiltrate to groundwater as recharge.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.5 – overbank flood spilling

Overflow from the surface water to the landscape. It includes flood waters that have overflowed the river channel top of bank and spilled to the flood plains. It excludes flood waters to seasonally connected wetlands and other surface water bodies.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.6 – Surface water diversions – other statutory rights

Surface water diverted under statutory rights other than entitlements (see account 2012-2015 line item 32.1 – other statutory surface water rights).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.7 – entitled diversion of non–allocated surface water to users

Surface water diverted to users other than the urban water system, under water access entitlements for which no allocation has been recognised (see account 2012-2015 line item 32.2–surface water access entitlement for direct diversion). It includes non-allocated diversions for:

• private users and irrigation schemes where those are not identified as a water asset of the water accounting region

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

It excludes non-allocated diversions for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region (reported in account 2012-2015 line item line item 17.9 – non-allocated diversions - irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.8 – entitled diversion of non–allocated surface water to urban water system

Surface water diverted to an urban water system, under water access entitlements for which no allocation has been recognised (see line item 32.2 – surface water access entitlement for non-allocated diversions). It includes non-allocated diversions for:

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 17.9 – entitled diversion of non–allocated surface water to irrigation scheme

Surface water diverted to irrigation schemes under water access entitlements for which no allocation has been recognised (see line item 32.2–surface water access entitlement for non-allocated diversions). It includes non-allocated diversions for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region.

It excludes non-allocated diversions for:

• irrigation scheme where those are considered as users not part of the water assets of the water accounting region (reported in line item 17.7 – entitled diversion of non–allocated surface water to users).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.1 – groundwater outflow to outside region

Lateral flow of groundwater out of the region's groundwater to inland groundwater aquifers that extend outside the region. It excludes lateral flow of groundwater to coastal aquifers.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.10 – entitled extraction of non-allocated groundwater to irrigation scheme

Groundwater extracted to irrigation schemes under water access entitlements for which no allocation has been recognised (see line item 33.2 – groundwater access entitlement for direct extraction). It includes non-allocated extractions for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as water asset of the water accounting region

It excludes non-allocated extractions for:

• irrigation scheme where those are considered as users not part of the water assets of the water accounting region (reported in line item 18.8 – entitled extraction of non-allocated groundwater to users).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.11 – entitled extraction of allocated groundwater to users

Groundwater extracted to users other than the urban water system, under water access entitlements for which an allocation has been recognised (see line item 33.3 – groundwater access entitlement for allocation extraction). It includes allocated extractions for:

• private users and irrigation schemes where those are not identified as a water asset of the water accounting region

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

It excludes allocated extractions for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region (reported in line item 18.13 – groundwater allocation diversion – irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.12 – entitled extraction of allocated groundwater to urban water system

Groundwater extracted to urban water system, under water access entitlements for which an allocation has been recognised (see line item 33.3 – groundwater access entitlement for allocation extraction). It includes allocated extractions for:

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.13 – entitled extraction of allocated groundwater to irrigation scheme

Groundwater extracted to irrigation schemes under water access entitlements for which an allocation has been recognised (see line item 33.3 – groundwater access entitlement for allocation extraction). It includes allocated extractions for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region.

It excludes allocated extractions for:

• irrigation scheme where those are considered as users not part of the water assets of the water accounting region (reported in line item 18.11 – entitled extraction of allocated groundwater to users).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.14 – groundwater transfer under inter–region commitment

Groundwater transferred out of the region under a recognised inter-region commitment to deliver groundwater (see line item 6.4 – inter-region commitment on groundwater).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.15 – groundwater transfer under trade commitment

Groundwater transferred out of the region under a recognised commitment to deliver groundwater traded to another region (see line item 6.5 – commitment on traded out groundwater).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.16 – other delivery of allocated groundwater

Groundwater diverted under a recognised commitment to deliver groundwater other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.17 – decrease of claims on groundwater

Decrease of claim to water outside the region held on behalf of the groundwater. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of claims resulting from:

• an announced allocation held on a water resource located outside the region

• inter-government agreements at allocation (retail) level

• water traded into the region

• contract to deliver desalinated sea water.

It excludes adjustment and forfeiture of claims resulting from:

• inter-government agreements to share water before it is allocated.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.18 – other groundwater decreases

Decreases of physical and non-physical groundwater assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.2 – groundwater outflow to outside region at coast

Lateral flow of groundwater out of the region to groundwater aquifers that extend outside the region at the coast.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.3 – discharge to landscape

Discharge from the groundwater to the landscape, including soil, unconnected lakes and wetlands. It includes capillary rise and evaporation from the water table aquifer.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.4 – discharge to surface water

Flow of groundwater from the saturated zone to streams, water storages, farm dams and natural surface water features. This is a form of groundwater-surface water interaction.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.5 – discharge to off-channel water storage

Discharge from groundwater to the region's off-channel water storages such as farm dams.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.6 – infiltration to urban water system

Infiltration of groundwater into the region's wastewater system.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.7 – groundwater extraction – other statutory rights

Groundwater extracted under statutory rights other than entitlements (see line item 33.1 – other statutory groundwater rights).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.8 – entitled extraction of non-allocated groundwater to users

Groundwater extracted to users other than the urban water system, under water access entitlements for which no allocation has been recognised (see line item 33.2 – groundwater access entitlement for direct extraction). It includes non-allocated extractions for:

• private users and irrigation schemes where those are not identified as a water asset of the water accounting region

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

It excludes non-allocated extractions for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region (reported in line item 18.10 – entitled extraction of non-allocated groundwater to irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 18.9 – entitled extraction of non-allocated groundwater to urban water system

Groundwater extracted to urban water system, under water access entitlements for which no allocation has been recognised (see line item 33.2 – groundwater access entitlement for direct extraction). It includes non-allocated extractions for:

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.1 – evaporation from urban water system

Movement of water from the region's urban water system to the atmosphere (water vapour).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.10 – discharge from urban water system to groundwater

Water from the urban water system discharged either directly or indirectly to groundwater. It includes recycled treated wastewater discharged to infiltration basins for the purpose of recharging groundwater.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.11 – transfer of water outside of region

Water transferred out of the region from the urban water system without prior commitment to deliver water having being recognised. It includes export of non-potable, potable, wastewater and recycled water from the region due to the region's urban utilities servicing an area that extends outside the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.12 – delivery of committed urban water

Water transferred out of the region or delivered to urban water users from the urban water system under a recognised commitment, including result of a water trade, to deliver water. It excludes commitments in favour of the surface water, groundwater and irrigation scheme where those have been identified as water assets of the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.13 – delivery of other committed urban water

Water delivered from the urban water system under a recognised commitment other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.14 – adjustment and forfeiture of urban inter-region claim on water

Decrease of claim to water outside the region on behalf of the urban water system. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of claim resulting from:

• allocations announced under entitlements to access a water resource located outside the region

• other agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes claims resulting from:

• water traded into the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.15 – adjustment and forfeiture of urban claim on traded water

Decrease of claim to water resulting from water traded into the region on behalf of the urban water system.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.16 – adjustment and forfeiture of urban claim on desalinated water

Decrease of claim to desalinated sea water on behalf of the urban water system. It excludes claims on behalf of the surface water, which are reported in line item 17.19 – decrease of surface water claim on desalinated water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.17 – adjustment and forfeiture of urban claim on surface water

Decrease of claims on the region's surface water held on behalf of the urban water system. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of surface water allocation announced or otherwise recognised during the reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) for the urban water system.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.18 – adjustment and forfeiture of urban claim on groundwater

Decrease of claims on the region's groundwater held on behalf of the urban water system. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of groundwater allocation announced or otherwise recognised during the reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) for the urban water system.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.19 – Adjustment and forfeiture of other urban claims on water

Decrease of claims to water held on behalf of the urban water system other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.2 – leakage to landscape

Leakage from the urban water system to the landscape. It includes pipe bursts and overflows from the water supply system and the recycled water system. It excludes background leakage from urban water supply system and the recycled water system, which are included in account 2012-2015 line item 19.3 – leakage to groundwater.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.20 – other urban water system decreases

Decreases of physical and non-physical urban water system assets other than those defined elsewhere. Includes losses from the water supply system and [recycled water][793] system not included in account lines items 19.2 and 19.3 (e.g. other water losses included as part of 'non-revenue water' components).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.3 – leakage to groundwater

Leakage from the urban water system to the region's groundwater. It excludes pipe bursts, overflows or spills, which are classified as leakage to landscape reported at account line item 19.2 – leakage to landscape.

It includes background leakage from the urban water supply system and the recycled water system. It excludes pipe bursts and overflows from the urban water supply system and the recycled water system, which are included in account 2012-2015 line item 19.2 – leakage to landscape.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.4 – delivery to urban water system users

Delivery of water from the region's urban water system to urban users.

It includes portable, non-potable and recycled water supplied from the region's urban water system for residential, commercial, industrial, municipal and individual irrigation use. It excludes delivery of water to the region's irrigation schemes, which is reported under line item 19.6 – urban water discharge to irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.5 – discharge from urban water system to surface water

Discharge from the urban water system to the region's surface water. It includes:

• potable and non-potable water discharge to surface water from urban water supply system including pump back or transfer back from the water supply system to surface water for the purpose of storage;

• discharge of wastewater system to surface water (treated wastewater discharge under licences, other spills or losses of wastewater to surface water);

• discharge of [recycled water][793] to surface water to meet environmental requirements; and

• discharge of [recycled water][793] to surface water to augment potable water supply.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.6 – discharge from urban water system to irrigation scheme

Delivery of water from the urban water system to the region's irrigation scheme without prior commitment to deliver water having been recognised.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.7 – wastewater discharge outside of region

Discharge of treated wastewater out of the region. This definition includes discharge to sea and to other regions.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.8 – other wastewater discharge

Discharge of treated wastewater other than those defined elsewhere. It includes treated wastewater discharged to landscape (e.g. in excess of the volume required for use as recycled water). Volumes discharged from recycled water use are excluded.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 19.9 – managed aquifer recharge

The volume of water intentionally transferred to ground water assets (e.g. via injection wells) from the urban water system. It includes potable, non-potable and [recycled water][793] used for managed aquifer recharge schemes.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 2.1 – water table aquifer

Portion of the groundwater that is contained in an aquifer that is not overlain by a confining bed and whose upper surface is a water table free to fluctuate in equilibrium with atmospheric pressure. It includes all types of unconfined aquifers, including fractured rock and sedimentary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 2.2 – underlying aquifers

Portion of the groundwater that is contained in an aquifer overlain by a confining bed. A confining bed acts as a barrier to water flow. Pressure in an underlying aquifer is typically greater than atmospheric pressure. It includes all types of confined aquifers, including fractured rock and sedimentary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 2.3 – groundwater claims on water

Claims to water outside the region held on behalf of the groundwater. It includes claims resulting from:

• allocations announced under entitlements to access a water resource located outside the region

• inter-government agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes claims resulting from:

• inter-government agreements to share water before it is allocated

• water traded into the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 2.4 – overdraft of groundwater allocation

Claim to water held on behalf of the groundwater, following an overdraft of groundwater allocation by an allocation holder that is not part of the water accounting region. This can be thought of as an advance draw.

It includes overdraft by private allocation holders.

It only includes overdraft by urban water system and irrigation schemes when those are not part of the water accounting region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 2.5 – other groundwater assets

Physical and non-physical groundwater assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.1 – evaporation from irrigation scheme

Movement of water from the region's irrigation scheme to the atmosphere (water vapour).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.10 – adjustment and forfeiture of irrigation scheme claim on traded water

Decrease of claim to water resulting from water traded into the region on behalf of the irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.11 – adjustment and forfeiture of irrigation scheme claim on desalinated water

Decrease of claim to desalinated sea water on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It excludes claims on behalf of the surface water, which are reported in line item 17.19 – decrease of surface water claim on desalinated water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.12 – adjustment and forfeiture of irrigation scheme claim on surface water

Decrease of claims on the region's surface water held on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of surface water allocation announced or otherwise recognised during the reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) for the irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.13 – adjustment and forfeiture of irrigation scheme claim on groundwater

Decrease of claims on the region's groundwater held on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of groundwater allocation announced or otherwise recognised during the reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) for the irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.14 – adjustment and forfeiture of other irrigation scheme claims on water

Decrease of claims to water held on behalf of the irrigation scheme other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.15 – other irrigation scheme decreases

Decreases of physical and non-physical irrigation scheme water assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.2 – leakage to landscape

Leakage from the irrigation scheme to the landscape. It includes leakage from irrigation scheme pipes and channel bursts and overflows. It excludes background leakage, which is included in line item 20.3 – leakage to groundwater.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.3 – leakage to groundwater

Leakage from either the surface water, urban system or irrigation scheme to the region's groundwater. It excludes pipe bursts, overflows or spills, which are classified as leakage to landscape.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.4 – delivery to irrigation scheme users

Delivery of water from the region's irrigation scheme to users. It excludes delivery of water to the region's urban water system where it is part of the water accounting region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.5 – return of water to surface water

Discharge from the irrigation scheme to the region's surface water. It includes point return from irrigation scheme (see [line item 9.5 – point return from irrigation scheme1596).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.7 – delivery of committed irrigation scheme water

Water transferred out of the region or delivered to users from the irrigation scheme under a recognised commitment, including result of water trade, to deliver water. It excludes commitments in favour of the surface water, groundwater and urban water system where those have been identified as water assets of the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.8 – delivery of other committed irrigation scheme water

Water delivered from the irrgigation scheme under a recognised commitment other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 20.9 – adjustment and forfeiture of irrigation scheme inter-region claim on water

Decrease of claim to water outside the region on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes adjustment and forfeiture of claim resulting from:

• allocations announced under entitlements to access a water resource located outside the region

• other agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes claims resulting from:

• water traded into the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 21.1 – surface water allocation announcements

Surface water allocation announcement on behalf of users other than the urban water system. It includes allocation announcements for:

• private users and irrigation schemes where those are not identified as a water asset of the water accounting region

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

It excludes allocation announcements for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region (reported in line item 21.3 – surface water allocation announcements – irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 21.2 – surface water allocation announcements – urban water system

Surface water allocation announcement on behalf the urban water system. It includes allocation announcements for:

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 21.3 – surface water allocation announcements – irrigation scheme

Surface water allocation announcement on behalf of irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region. It excludes allocation announcements for:

• irrigation scheme where those are considered as users not part of the water assets of the water accounting region (reported in line item 21.1 – surface water allocation announcements).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 21.4 – increase of inter-region commitment on surface water

Increase of commitment on the region's surface water to deliver water outside the region. It includes increase of commitments resulting from:

• inter-government agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes increase of commitments resulting from:

• inter-government agreements to share water before it is allocated

• water traded out of the region

• water allocated in the region that is subsequently transferred out of the region (reported in line items 21.1, 21.21753 or 21.31754.)

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 21.5 – increase of commitment on traded out surface water

Increase of commitment on the region's surface water to deliver water to another region as a result of trade between both regions.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 21.6 – other surface water liability increases

Increase of surface water liability other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 22.1 – groundwater allocation announcements

Groundwater allocation announcement on behalf of users other than the urban water system. It includes allocation announcements for:

• private users and irrigation schemes where those are not identified as a water asset of the water accounting region

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

It excludes allocation announcements for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region (reported in line item 22.3 – groundwater allocation announcements – irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 22.2 – groundwater allocation announcements – urban water system

Groundwater allocation announcement on behalf the urban water system. It includes allocation announcements for:

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 22.3 – groundwater allocation announcements – irrigation scheme

Groundwater allocation announcement on behalf of irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region.

It excludes allocation announcements for:

• irrigation scheme where those are considered as users not part of the water assets of the water accounting region (reported in line item 22.1 – groundwater allocation announcements).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 22.4 – increase of inter-region commitment on groundwater

Increase of commitment on the region's groundwater to deliver water outside the region. It includes increase of commitments resulting from:

• inter-government agreements at allocation (retail) level

It excludes increase of commitments resulting from:

• inter-government agreements to share water before it is allocated

• water traded out of the region

• water allocated in the region that is subsequently transferred out of the region (reported in line items 22.1 – groundwater allocation announcements, 22.2 – groundwater allocation announcements – urban water system or 22.3 – groundwater allocation announcements – irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 22.5 – increase of commitment on traded out groundwater

Increase of commitment on the region's groundwater to deliver water to another region as a result of trade between both regions.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 22.6 – other groundwater liability increases

Increase of groundwater liability other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 23.1 – urban commitment to deliver water

Increase of commitment, including result of water trade, on the region's urban water system to deliver water to urban water users or to other urban water systems outside the region. It excludes increase of commitments in favour of the surface water, groundwater and irrigation scheme where those have been identified as water assets of the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 23.2 – other urban system liability increases

Urban water system liability increases other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 24.1 – irrigation scheme commitment to deliver water

Increase of commitment, including result of water trade, on the region's irrigation scheme to deliver water to users or to other irrigation schemes outside the region. It excludes commitments in favour of the surface water, groundwater and urban water system where those have been identified as water assets of the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 24.2 – other irrigation scheme liability increases

Irrigation scheme liability increases other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 25.1 – unaccounted-for difference

The volume necessary to reconcile the opening water storage and closing water storage with the total water inflows and total water outflows reported in the water accounting statements. This definition recognises that in the 2011 Account, there is no uncertainty attached to the values of the line items associated with water liabilities (commitments on water) and non-physical water assets (claims to water).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 26.1 – soil moisture

Water in the unsaturated zone of the soil profile.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 26.2 – flood waters out of channel

Water from flood events stored on flood plains.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 26.3 – lakes and wetlands

Other water bodies, of natural origin, for which the primary purpose is not abstractive or consumptive use. It may include water in natural lakes, ponds, lagoons, wetlands, billabongs and groundwater-fed water bodies that are not classified as storages based on their primary purpose.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 27.1 – off-channel water storages

Water in constructed storages not connected, either seasonally or perennially, to rivers. Storages are filled predominantly by harvesting local catchment runoff. Other water sources include abstractions from surface water and groundwater. It includes off-channel farm dams and industrial, commercial and mining water storages. It excludes:

• on-channel farm dams, industrial, commercial and mining water storages

• off-channel storages operated to supply urban water systems (included in line item 3.1 – urban water supply system).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 27.2 – rainwater tanks

Water stored in on-site infrastructure primarily designed to collect rainfall.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 27.3 – other off-channel storages

Water stored in off-channel water other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 28.1 – precipitation on landscape

All forms in which water falls on the region's landscape as rain, sleet, snow, hail, or drizzle. It excludes water that falls on the region's surface water, urban water system and irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 29.1 – evapotranspiration from landscape

Movement of water from the region's landscape water to the atmosphere (water vapour). It excludes evaporation from the region's surface water, groundwater, urban water system and irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 29.2 – runoff harvesting

Runoff water harvested into off-channel water storages.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 29.3 – other landscape decreases

Decreases in landscape water other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 3.1 – urban water supply system

Water in the potable and non-potable water supply system, including pipes and tanks. It excludes recycled water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 3.10 – other urban water assets

Physical and non-physical urban water system assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 3.2 – wastewater system

Water in the wastewater system, including in the collection network and treatment lagoons and ponds, pipes, tanks, pits, sumps and storages.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 3.3 – recycled water system

Treated effluent water from wastewater treatment plants or sewer mining operations fit for recycled use and contained in the recycled water system, including pipes, tanks and storages.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 3.4 – urban inter-region claim on water

Claims to water outside the region on behalf of the urban water system. It includes claims resulting from:

• allocations announced under entitlements to access a water resource located outside the region

• other agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes claims resulting from:

• water traded into the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 3.5 – urban claim on traded water

Claim to water resulting from water traded into the region on behalf of the urban water system.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 3.6 – urban claim on desalinated water

Claim to desalinated sea water on behalf of the urban water system. It excludes claims on behalf of the surface water, which are reported in line item 1.7 – claim on desalinated water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 3.7 – urban claim on surface water

Claim to surface water within the region on behalf of the urban water system. It includes volume of surface water allocation remaining held by the region's urban utilities.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 3.8 – urban claim on groundwater

Claim to groundwater within the region on behalf of the urban water system. It includes volume of groundwater allocation remaining held by the region's urban utilities.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 3.9 – other urban claims on water

Claims to water on behalf of the urban water system other than those included elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 30.1 – precipitation on off-channel water store

All forms in which water falls on the region's off-channel water store as rain, sleet, snow, hail, or drizzle. It includes precipitation on off-channel water storages and collected into rainwater tanks. It excludes precipitation on the region's landscape, surface water, urban water system and irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 30.2 – groundwater discharge into off-channel water store

Discharge of water from the region's groundwater into off-channel water storages.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 30.3 – runoff harvesting into off-channel water store

Runoff water harvested into off-channel water storages.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 30.4 – surface water diversion into off-channel water store

Surface water diverted into off-channel water storages under water access entitlements or other statutory water rights. This definition includes surface water allocations diverted into farm dams for the purpose of storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 30.5 – groundwater extraction into off-channel water store

Groundwater diverted into off-channel water storages under water access entitlements or other statutory water rights. This definition includes surface water allocations diverted into farm dams for the purpose of storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 30.6 – other off-channel water increases

Increases in off-channel water other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 31.1 – evaporation from off-channel water storages

Movement of water from the region's off-channel water store to the atmosphere (water vapour). It excludes evaporation from the region's landscape water, surface water, groundwater, urban water system and irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 31.2 – leakages from off-channel water storages

Leakage from off-channel water storages into the region's groundwater.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 31.3 – Off-channel water abstraction

Abstraction of water from the off-channel water store for use.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 31.4 – other off-channel water decreases

Decreases in off-channel water other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 32.1 – other statutory surface water rights

Water rights granted by a jurisdiction on the surface water resource, external to an entitlement system. These rights may be granted under a State Water Act or a water plan. They include land owner basic rights, riparian rights and non-entitled water rights for stock and domestic and mining purposes. In the National Water Account, no commitment to deliver water (water liability) is recognised for these water rights.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 32.2 – surface water access entitlement for non-allocated diversions

Water access entitlements on issue granted on the surface water resource, for which no allocation (water liability) has been recognised. They include unregulated entitlement on issue in unregulated systems and in regulated systems. Unregulated flows accessed outside the normal allocation process in regulated systems are referred to as supplementary water in New South Wales.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 32.3 – surface water access entitlement for allocated diversions

Water access entitlements on issue granted on the surface water resource, for which an allocation (water liability) has been recognised. They include regulated entitlement.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 32.4 – other surface water rights

Surface water rights other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 33.1 – other statutory groundwater rights

Water rights granted by a jurisdiction on the groundwater resource, external to an entitlement system. These rights may be granted under a State Water Act or a water plan. They include land owner basic rights and non-entitled water rights for stock and domestic and mining purposes. In the National Water Account, no commitment to deliver water (water liability) is recognised for these water rights.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 33.2 – groundwater access entitlement for non-allocated extractions

Water access entitlements on issue granted on the groundwater resource for which no allocation (water liability) has been recognised.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 33.3 – groundwater access entitlement for allocated extractions

Water access entitlements on issue granted on the groundwater resource, for which an allocation (water liability) has been recognised. They include regulated entitlement. They include entitlements for which the entitled volume has been recognised as a water liability, although there was no formal allocation announcement.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 33.4 – other groundwater rights

Groundwater rights other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 34.1 – combined surface water and groundwater rights

Water access entitlements on issue that grant access to either surface water or groundwater.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 35.1 – trade of surface water entitlement within region

Approved transaction to transfer perpetually a surface water access entitlement between legal entities located within the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 35.2 – trade of surface water entitlement into region

Approved transaction to transfer perpetually a surface water access entitlement from a legal entity located outside the region's boundary to a legal entity located within the region's geographic boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 35.3 – trade of surface water entitlement out of region

Approved transaction to transfer perpetually a surface water access entitlement from a legal entity located within the region's boundary to a legal entity located outside the region's geographic boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 36.1 – lease of surface water entitlement within region

Approved transaction to transfer for a specified term a surface water access entitlement between legal entities located within the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 36.2 – lease of surface water entitlement into region

Approved transaction to transfer for a specified term a surface water access entitlement from a legal entity located outside the region's boundary to a legal entity located within the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 36.3 – lease of surface water entitlement out of region

Approved transaction to transfer for a specified term a surface water access entitlement from a legal entity located within the region's boundary to a legal entity located outside the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 37.1 – surface water allocation trade within region

Transfer of surface water allocation between legal entities located within the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 37.2 – surface water allocation trade into region

Transfer of surface water allocation from a legal entity located outside the region's boundary to a legal entity located within the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 37.3 – surface water allocation trade out of region

Transfer of surface water allocation from a legal entity located within the region's boundary to a legal entity located outside the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 38.1 – trade of groundwater entitlement within region

Approved transaction to transfer perpetually a groundwater access entitlement between legal entities located within the region's boundary, with or without a change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 38.2 – trade of groundwater entitlement into region

Approved transaction to transfer perpetually a groundwater access entitlement from a legal entity located outside the region's boundary to a legal entity located within the region's boundary, with or without a change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 38.3 – trade of groundwater entitlement out of region

Approved transaction to transfer perpetually a groundwater access entitlement from a legal entity located within the region's boundary to a legal entity located outside the region's boundary, with or without a change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 39.1 – lease of groundwater entitlement within region

Approved transaction to transfer for a specified term a groundwater access entitlement between legal entities located within the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 39.2 – lease of groundwater entitlement into region

Approved transaction to transfer for a specified term a groundwater access entitlement from a legal entity located outside the region's boundary to a legal entity located within the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 39.3 – lease of groundwater entitlement out of region

Approved transaction to transfer for a specified term a groundwater access entitlement from a legal entity located within the region's boundary to a legal entity located outside the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 4.1 – irrigation water supply system

Water in the irrigation water supply and collection system, including pipes, artificial channels and tanks. It includes water in off-channel water storages that has already been abstracted by the region's irrigation scheme, including dead storage capacity. It excludes water in private channels and storages, already abstracted from the scheme by individual irrigators.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 4.2 – irrigation scheme inter-region claim on water

Claims to water outside the region on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes claims resulting from:

• allocations announced under entitlements to access a water resource located outside the region

• other agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes claims resulting from:

• water traded into the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 4.3 – irrigation scheme claim on traded water

Claim to water resulting from water traded into the region on behalf of the irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 4.4 – irrigation scheme claim on desalinated water

Claim to desalinated sea water on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It excludes claims on behalf of the surface water, which are reported in line item 1.7 – claim on desalinated water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 4.5 – irrigation scheme claim on surface water

Claim to surface water within the region on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes volume of surface water allocation remaining held by the region's irrigation entities.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 4.6 – irrigation scheme claim on groundwater

Claim to groundwater within the region on behalf of the irrigation scheme. It includes volume of groundwater allocation remaining held by the region's irrigation entities.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 4.7 – other irrigation scheme claims on water

Claims to water on behalf of the irrigation scheme other than those included elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 4.8 – other irrigation scheme water assets

Physical and non-physical irrigation scheme water assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 40.1 – groundwater allocation trade within region

Transfer of groundwater allocation between legal entities located within the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 40.2 – groundwater allocation trade into region

Transfer of groundwater allocation from a legal entity located outside the region's boundary to a legal entity located within the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 40.3 – groundwater allocation trade out of region

Transfer of groundwater allocation from a legal entity located within the region's boundary to a legal entity located outside the region's boundary, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 41.1 – precipitation on storages

All forms in which water falls on the region's water storages as rain, sleet, snow, hail, or drizzle. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 41.2 – groundwater discharge into storages

Groundwater discharge to the region's water storages. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 41.3 – runoff into storages

Water that rans off into the region's water storages. It includes river flow into the water storages and runoff flowing directly from the landscape into the storages. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 41.4 – transfer of water into storages

Water transferred via infrastructure into the water storages under any type of water access entitlement or other arrangement. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 41.5 – other storage increases

Inflows into water storages other than those defined elsewhere. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 42.1 – evaporation from storages

Movement of water from the region's water storages to the atmosphere (water vapour). The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 42.2 – groundwater recharge from storages

Infiltration from the water storages to the region's groundwater. It includes the deliberate recharge of groundwater from water storages. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 42.3 – leakage from storages

Leakage from the water storages to the soil. It excludes recharge to groundwater. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 42.4 – spillage from storages

Overflow from water storages via spillway and leakage through a dams' wall into downstream river. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 42.5 – releases from storages

Releases from water storages into a downstream river under any type of water access entitlement or other arrangement. It includes releases to provide environmental benefit and responses to calls on announced allocation. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 42.6 – diversions from storages

Diversions via infrastructure from water storages under any type of water access entitlement or other arrangement. It includes diversions within the region and out of the region. It excludes releases to a downstream river. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 42.7 – other storage decreases

Outflows from water storages other than those defined elsewhere. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 – storage.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 5.1 – surface water allocation remaining

Surface water allocation remaining on behalf of users other than the urban water system. It includes allocations remaining for:

• private users and irrigation schemes where those are not identified as a water asset of the water accounting region

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

It excludes allocations remaining for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region (reported in line item 5.3 – surface water allocation remaining – irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 5.2 – surface water allocation remaining – urban water system

Surface water allocation remaining on behalf the urban water system. It includes allocations remaining for: • allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 5.3 – surface water allocation remaining – irrigation scheme

Surface water allocation remaining on behalf of irrigation schemes where those are identified as water asset of the water accounting region. It excludes allocations remaining for:

• irrigation scheme where those are considered as users not part of the water assets of the water accounting region (reported in line item 5.1 – surface water allocation remaining).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 5.4 – inter-region commitment on surface water

Commitment on the region's surface water to deliver water outside the region. It includes commitments resulting from:

• inter-government agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes commitments resulting from:

• inter-government agreements to share water before it is allocated

• water traded out of the region

• water allocated in the region that is subsequently transferred out of the region. Such commitment is reported as line item 5.1, 5.2 or 5.3.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 5.5 – commitment on water traded out of the region

Commitment on the region's surface water to deliver water to another region as a result of trade between both regions.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 5.6 – other surface water liability

Surface water liability other than those defined elsewhere. It does not include rules-based obligation, such as a commitment to ensure minimum passing flows to a downstream region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 6.1 – groundwater allocation remaining

Groundwater allocation remaining on behalf of users other than the urban water system. It includes allocations remaining for:

• private users and irrigation schemes where those are not identified as a water asset of the water accounting region

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

It excludes allocations remaining for:

• irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region (reported in line item 6.3 – groundwater allocation remaining – irrigation scheme).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 6.2 – groundwater allocation remaining – urban water system

Groundwater allocation remaining on behalf the urban water system. It includes allocations remaining for:

• allocation holders located outside the region's boundary.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 6.3 – groundwater allocation remaining – irrigation scheme

Groundwater allocation remaining on behalf of irrigation schemes where those are identified as a water asset of the water accounting region. It excludes allocations remaining for:

• irrigation scheme where those are considered as users not part of the water assets of the water accounting region (reported in line item 6.1 – groundwater allocation remaining).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 6.4 – inter–region commitment on groundwater

Commitment on the region's groundwater to deliver water outside the region. It includes commitments resulting from:

• inter-government agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes commitments resulting from:

• inter-government agreements to share water before it is allocated

• water traded out of the region

• water allocated in the region that is subsequently transferred out of the region. Such commitment is reported as line item 6.1- groundwater allocation remaining, 6.2–groundwater allocation remaining–urban water system or 6.3–groundwater allocation remaining–irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 6.5 – commitment on traded out groundwater

Commitment on the region's groundwater to deliver water to another region as a result of trade between both regions.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 6.6 – other groundwater liability

Groundwater liability other than those defined elsewhere. It does not include rules-based obligation, such as a commitment to maintain groundwater at a certain level.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 7.1 – urban system commitment to provide water

Commitment, including result of water trade, on the region's urban water system to deliver water to urban water users or to other urban water systems outside the region. It excludes commitments in favour of the surface water, groundwater and irrigation scheme where those have been identified as water assets of the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 7.2 – other urban water liability

Urban water system liability other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 8.1 – irrigation scheme commitment to provide water

Commitment, including result of water trade, on the region's irrigation scheme to deliver water to users or to other irrigation schemes outside the region. It excludes commitments in favour of the surface water, groundwater and urban water system where those have been identified as water assets of the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 8.2 – other irrigation scheme liability

Irrigation scheme liability other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.1 – precipitation on surface water

All forms in which water falls on the region's surface water as rain, sleet, snow, hail, or drizzle.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.10 – direct discharge by user

Discharge of water by a user to the region's surface water done directly and not through the urban or irrigation collection systems. It includes discharge of water that has been self-abstracted or delivered through an urban or irrigation water supply system.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.11 – Delivery of water under inter – region agreement to surface water

Delivery of imported water to the region's surface water to service a prior claim recognised on behalf of the surface water. The prior claim may be an inter-basin agreement or an announced allocation held on a water resource located outside the region, but excludes water trade (see line item 9.12 – delivery of traded water to surface water).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.12 – delivery of traded water to surface water

Delivery of water into the region's surface water to service a prior claim resulting from water traded into the region (see line item 9.16 – increase of claim on water traded into the region).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.13 – delivery of claimed desalinated water to surface water

Delivery of desalinated sea water to the region's surface water to service a prior claim recognised on behalf of the surface water. It excludes delivery of desalinated sea water where no prior claim has been recognised (see line item 9.8 – delivery of desalinated water).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.14 – other delivery of water to surface water

Delivery of water to the region's surface water other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.15 – increase of inter-region surface water claim on water

Increase of claims to water outside the region on behalf of the surface water. It includes claims resulting from:

• an announced allocation held on a water resource located outside the region

• inter-government agreements at allocation (retail) level.

It excludes claims resulting from:

• inter-government agreements to share water before it is allocated

• water traded into the region

• contract to deliver desalinated sea water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.16 – increase of surface water claim on water traded into the region

Increase of claim held on behalf of the surface water resulting from water traded into the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.17 – increase of surface water claim on desalinated water

Increase of claim to desalinated sea water held on behalf of the surface water. It excludes increase of claim held on behalf of the urban water system (see line item 11.17 – increase of urban claim on desalinated water).

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.18 – increase of other surface water claims on water

Increase of claim held on behalf of the region's surface water other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.19 – other surface water increases

Increases of physical and non-physical surface water assets other than those defined elsewhere.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.2 – river inflow to region

River inflow that enters the region.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.3 – groundwater discharge

Groundwater discharge to the region's surface water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.4 – runoff to surface water

Runoff from landscape to the region's surface water due to rainfall or irrigation.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.5 – point return from irrigation scheme

Point discharge from irrigation scheme to the region's surface water. It includes overflows from irrigation scheme water supply channels and discharge of used irrigation water from irrigation scheme collection systems.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.6 – overbank flood return to river channel

Return of flood waters from the flood plains. It excludes flood waters returning from seasonally connected wetlands and other surface water bodies.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.7 – delivery of water from outside region

Delivery of imported water to the region's surface water where no prior claim has been recognised on behalf of the surface water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.8 – delivery of desalinated water

Delivery of desalinated sea water to the region's surface water where no prior claim has been recognised on behalf of the surface water.

This definition applies to:

account 2012-2015 line item 9.9 – discharge from urban water system

Discharge from urban water systems to the region's surface water. It includes discharge of non-potable, potable, treated wastewater and recycled water. It includes pump back or transfer back of water to surface water for the purpose of storage and releases to meet environmental requirements. It excludes pump back or transfer of water to off-channel water storages considered part of the urban water system (see line item 3.1 – urban water supply system).

This definition applies to:

adjustment and forfeiture of allocation

Adjustments made to allocation carryover. For example, amounts written off as a result of the operation of rules or upon agreement between the allocation owner and the body responsible for managing water in the region.

This definition applies to:

adopted middle thread distance

The distance in kilometres, measured along the middle of a watercourse that a specific point in the watercourse is from the watercourse’s mouth or junction with the main watercourse.

This definition applies to:

allocation

The specific volume of water allocated to water access entitlements in a given season, given accounting period, defined according to rules established in the relevant water plan.

This definition applies to:

allocation announcement

Announcement of water allocations arising due to seasonal determinations of water to be available under water access entitlements.

This definition applies to:

allocation carryover

Water allocated during the water year of an entitlement that is yet to be accessed, abstracted or delivered at the end of the water year and is able to be carried over to the next water year. Where the water year coincides with the National Water Account reporting period allocation carryover equates to allocation remaining.

This definition applies to:

allocation diversion

The volume of surface water abstracted to settle an allocation or other claim on the surface water.

This definition applies to:

allocation extraction

The volume of groundwater abstracted to settle an allocation or other claim on the groundwater.

This definition applies to:

allocation remaining

Water allocated in a reporting period (or remaining from the previous reporting period) that is yet to be accessed, abstracted or delivered at the end of the reporting period and is not forfeited. Where the National Water Account reporting period coincides with the entitlement’s water year, allocation remaining equates to allocation carryover.

This definition applies to:

AMTD

Adopted Middle Thread Distance

This definition applies to:

announced allocation

A number, expressed as a percentage, which is used to determine the maximum volume of water that may be accessed in a water year.

This definition applies to:

aquifer

A geological formation or group of formations; able to receive, store and transmit significant quantities of water.

This definition applies to:

change in net water assets

The change in net water assets for the region from one reporting date to the next.

This definition applies to:

change in net water storage

The change in net water storage for the region from one report date to the next.

This definition applies to:

change in water assets

Increases or decreases in the region’s water assets from one reporting date to the next.

This definition applies to:

change in water liabilities

Increases or decreases in the region’s water liabilities from one reporting date to the next.

This definition applies to:

claims to water

A right to water or an interest or claim associated with a right to water.

This definition applies to:

claims to water decreases

Adjustments to claims to water in the region. For example, amounts written off as a result of the operation of rules or upon agreement between the relevant parties.

This definition applies to:

closing net water assets

Net water assets at the end of the reporting period.

Related: net water assets

This definition applies to:

closing water storage

The total water storage in water assets in the region at the end of the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

confined aquifer

An aquifer overlain by a confining bed. The confining bed has a significantly lower hydraulic conductivity than the aquifer. Typically, groundwater in a confined aquifer is under pressure significantly greater than atmospheric pressure.

This definition applies to:

constructive obligation

An obligation that derives from actions of the management of a water report entity whereby: a) an established pattern of past practice, published policies or sufficiently specific current statement means that the management of the water report entity has indicated to other parties that it will accept certain responsibilities; and b) as a result, a valid expectation has been created on the part of those other parties that the management of the water report entity will discharge those responsibilities.

This definition applies to:

contingent water asset

A possible water asset that arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the management of the water report entity.

This definition applies to:

contingent water liability

A possible obligation that arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the management of the water report entity.

This definition applies to:

conveyance water

Water required primarily to operate regulated rivers and utility supply networks to enable the delivery of water.

This definition applies to:

cultural basic right

Right that allows diversion of water for anyone who holds native title with respect to water, as determined under the Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth).

This definition applies to:

dead storage

In a water storage, the volume of water stored below the level of the lowest outlet (the minimum supply level). This water cannot be accessed under normal operating conditions.

This definition applies to:

dead storage capacity

The portion of total storage capacity that is equal to the volume of water below the level of the lowest outlet (the minimum supply level). This water cannot be accessed under normal operating conditions. See the water storage diagram for more information.

Related: minimum supply level

This definition applies to:

declared water service

Water service, or part of a water service, declared under chapter 2A, part 5A, division 2 of the Water Act 2000 (Queensland).

Source: Water Act 2000 (Qld) Schedule 4 – Dictionary

This definition applies to:

desalination

The process of removing salt from brackish or saline water.

This definition applies to:

direct diversion

The volume of surface water abstracted when no prior allocation or other claim on the surface water existed.

This definition applies to:

direct extraction

The volume of groundwater abstracted when no prior allocation or other claim on the groundwater existed.

This definition applies to:

diversion

Synonymous with abstraction in case the water is removed from the surface water store.

Synonym: abstraction

This definition applies to:

domestic purposes

Domestic purposes are defined in the dictionary of the Water Act 2000 (Qld) (Schedule 4). While not stated explicitly, domestic purposes includes water used in connection with a residential dwelling including human consumption, cooking, toilets and showers etc. Watering of gardens up to 0.25 ha in size is also considered to be domestic use provided the produce from the garden is not grown for sale, barter or exchange.

Source: Water Act 2000 (Qld) Schedule 4 – Dictionary

This definition applies to:

entitlement system

A jurisdictional gazetted instrument (e.g. Water Sharing Plan), subordinate to the overarching State or Territory water rights legislation, intended to share the portion of the total water resource it covers.

This definition applies to:

entitlements held for the environment

Water Access Entitlements held for the benefit of the environment. They may include entitlements of a specific environmental class and non specific classes of entitlement.

Related: water access entitlement

This definition applies to:

environmental allocation

Allocations announced on entitlements held for the environment.

This definition applies to:

environmental water commitment

Instruments in place to achieve the environmental water determination, e.g. environmental water storage release rules, water access rules to limit abstractions, rules on diversion to wetlands and annual environmental watering plans.

This definition applies to:

environmental water determination

The environmental objectives or water regime that will be provided to meet the appropriate ecological values. The water regime is defined in terms of specific water level or flow criteria at key representative sites, which together form the Environmental Water Provisions (EWP).

This definition applies to:

environmental water outcome

Water level or water flow with its timing and location that has been determined or delivered for the benefit of the environment

This definition applies to:

environmental water provisions

The specific water level or flow criteria at key representative sites that the environmental water regime is set to achieve as part of the environmental water determination. They may meet in part or in full the environmenal water regimes requirements.

This definition applies to:

environmental water regime

Water regime for the benefit of the environment.

This definition applies to:

environmental water regime requirement

The water regime needed to maintain ecological values of water dependent ecosystems at a low level of risk.

This definition applies to:

environmental water release

Water released from infrastructure, such as a surface water storage, for the benefit of the environment.

This definition applies to:

evaporation

A process that occurs at a liquid surface, resulting in a change of state from liquid to vapour. In relation to water resource assessment and water accounting, evaporation refers to the movement of water from the land surface (predominantly liquid) to the atmosphere (water vapour). The liquid water at the land surface that may be available for evaporation includes surface water, soil water, water within vegetation, and water on vegetation and paved surfaces.

Related:

This definition applies to:

evapotranspiration

The sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the earth’s land surface to the atmosphere.

This definition applies to:

EWP

Environmental Water Provisions

This definition applies to:

extraction

Synonymous with abstraction in case the water is removed from the groundwater store.

Synonym: abstraction

This definition applies to:

feature class

Homogeneous collections of common features, each having the same spatial representation, such as points, lines, or polygons, and a common set of attribute columns, for example, a line feature class for representing road centrelines. The four most commonly used feature classes in the geodatabase are points, lines, polygons, and annotation (the geodatabase name for map text).

Source: ArcGIS 9.2 Desktop Help

This definition applies to:

FSL

Full Supply Level

This definition applies to:

full supply level

The normal maximum operating water level of a water storage when not affected by floods. This water level corresponds to 100% capacity. See the water storage diagram for more information.

Related: capacity

This definition applies to:

future commitment

An expected future demand on water influenced by the availability and management of the region’s water resources. It may arise as a result of an externally imposed requirement or best practice for managing water resources.

This definition applies to:

general purpose water accounting report

A water accounting report intended to meet the information needs common to users who are unable to command the preparation of water accounting reports tailored to satisfy their information needs. A general purpose water accounting report is prepared in accordance with Australian Water Accounting Standards and comprises a Contextual Statement, an Accountability Statement, water accounting statements, accompanying note disclosures and an Assurance Statement.

This definition applies to:

gigalitre (GL)

1,000 megalitres, which also is 1,000,000,000 litres.

This definition applies to:

groundwater

Subsurface water in soils and geological formations that are fully saturated.

This definition applies to:

groundwater access entitlement

Water access entitlement granted on the groundwater resource.

This definition applies to:

groundwater allocation

Volume of water resulting from an allocation announcement made on a groundwater access entitlement.

This definition applies to:

groundwater allocation trade

A transaction to transfer a groundwater allocation from one legal entity to another, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

groundwater assets

The water assets that relate to groundwater, excluding soil moisture and water held in works underground.

In the National Water Account, it is quantified as the total of managed groundwater volumes of each groundwater management unit significant to the water balance within the region. For example where available this managed volume corresponds to the permissible consumptive volume specified in the water management plan.

This definition applies to:

groundwater decreases

Outflows from the region's groundwater due to natural processes or diversions, and decrease of claims to water held on behalf of the region's groundwater.

This definition applies to:

groundwater entitlement lease

A transaction to transfer for a specified term a groundwater access entitlement from one legal entity to another, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

groundwater entitlement trade

A transaction to transfer perpetually a groundwater access entitlement from one legal entity to another, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

groundwater increases

Inflows into the region's groundwater or increase of claims to water that may result in inflows into the region's groundwater.

This definition applies to:

groundwater inflows

Volume of physical inflows to groundwater during the reporting period; from outside the region or from other stores.

This definition applies to:

groundwater liability

A water liability relating to groundwater.

This definition applies to:

groundwater liability decreases

Decreases in the region's groundwater liability. It includes adjustment or forfeiture of the obligation to deliver groundwater. It excludes extraction of water.

This definition applies to:

groundwater liability increases

An increase in groundwater liability as a result of allocation announcements, etc.

This definition applies to:

groundwater outflows

Volume of physical outflows from groundwater during the reporting period; to outside the region or to other stores.

This definition applies to:

groundwater resource potential

The maximum volume of groundwater that can be extracted without causing any long-term mining of the aquifer system. It does not represent a ‘sustainable’ or ‘safe’ yield that normally takes into account factors such as intrusion of poor quality water and surface water groundwater interaction. In an unconfined aquifer the groundwater resource potential is mainly based on estimation of groundwater recharge, while in a confined aquifer the groundwater resource potential represents the available elastic storage (or a fraction of throughflow).

This definition applies to:

groundwater rights

Water rights granted by a jurisdiction to access the region's groundwater.

This definition applies to:

group water accounting report

The water accounting report of a group water report entity presented as a single water entity.

This definition applies to:

ha

The abbreviation for hectare; one hectare is equal to an area of 10 000 square metres.

Synonym: hectare

This definition applies to:

harvesting

Synonymous with abstraction in case the water is removed from the landscape water store.

Synonym: abstraction

This definition applies to:

hectare

one hectare is equal to an area of 10 000 square metres.

Synonym: ha

This definition applies to:

irrigation right

A right issued by an irrigation entity and granted from the entity’s bulk water access entitlement.

This definition applies to:

irrigation scheme

Infrastructure managed by an irrigation entity to service individual irrigators.

This definition applies to:

irrigation scheme decreases

Outflows from the region's irrigation system due to natural processes or delivery of water and decrease of claims to water held on behalf of the region's irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

irrigation scheme increases

Inflows into the region's irrigation scheme or increase of claims to water that may result in inflows into the region's irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

irrigation scheme liability

Water liability relating to the irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

irrigation scheme liability decreases

Decreases in the region's irrigation scheme liability. It includes adjustment or forfeiture of the obligation to deliver water from the irrigation scheme. It excludes actual delivery of water.

This definition applies to:

irrigation scheme liability increases

Increases in the region's irrigation scheme water liability. It includes all recognised commitments to deliver water from the region's irrigation scheme.

This definition applies to:

landscape water

All water in the natural environment that is not surface water or groundwater. Includes water in the unsaturated zone of the soil, on the flood plain or in water bodies that are disconnected from the rivers, such as natural lakes, ponds or wetlands.

This definition applies to:

landscape water increases

Inflows to the region's landscape water.

This definition applies to:

legal obligation

An obligation that derives from: (a) a contract, (b) legislation, or (c) other operation of law.

This definition applies to:

licence extraction

The volume of water extracted from regulated groundwater assets pursuant to the rules of the groundwater allocation licence.

This definition applies to:

line item

A piece of water information having a generic name and definition. In a given region, it consists of a volumetric value, expressed in megalitres (ML), and notes providing supporting information. The supporting information may include what the value represents, how it was quantified and how it compares to the previous year. In the National Water Account, line items may be reported in the water accounting statements and in the region notes.

This definition applies to:

line item note

A note that is specific to a line item that appears in the water accounting statements or the region notes of the National Water Account.

This definition applies to:

managed aquifer recharge

The volume of water deliberately moved to groundwater assets from other water assets (such as surface water) due to human intervention.

This definition applies to:

managed groundwater volume

An average annual groundwater volume available for extraction usually estimated by jurisdictions for each managed groundwater management unit. This volume has different names in different jurisdictions, for example permissible consumptive volume, volume available for extraction, groundwater availability and these volumes are usually presented and explained in documents such as Water Sharing Plans and Water Resource Plans. The intent is usually to manage the total of all groundwater allocations so that allocations do not exceed the managed groundwater volume. Furthermore this volume may be adjusted annually to reflect the status of the groundwater resource (and allocations would be adjusted accordingly).

This definition applies to:

materiality

Information is material if its omission or misstatement could influence the water-related decisions made from using the general purpose water accounting report. Materiality depends on the impact of the nature and amount (volume, value or other attribute) of the item or error. It is influenced by the circumstances in which the information is presented and how it affects the decision-making process.

This definition applies to:

megalitre (ML)

One million litres.

This definition applies to:

minimum supply level

The lowest water level to which a water storage can be drawn down (0% full) with existing outlet infrastructure; typically equal to the level of the lowest outlet, the lower limit of accessible storage capacity. See the water storage diagram for more information.

Related: accessible storage capacity

This definition applies to:

MSL

Minimum Supply Level

This definition applies to:

net water assets

Equals total water assets less total water liabilities

This definition applies to:

non-physical water asset increases

Increases in non physical water asset due to allocation announcements or recognition of other claims to water.

This definition applies to:

non-physical water assets decreases

Decrease in non physical water asset due to adjustment and forfeiture.

This definition applies to:

non–allocated diversion

Surface water abstracted under a water access entitlement that does not settle an allocation or other claim on the surface water.

This definition applies to:

non–allocated extraction

Groundwater abstracted under a water access entitlement that does not settle an allocation or other claim on the groundwater.

This definition applies to:

obligating event

An event that creates a legal or constructive obligation that results in the management of a water report entity having no realistic alternative to settling that obligation.

This definition applies to:

off-channel water

off-channel water comprises water in: (i) storages, such as farm dams, not connected to rivers and filled from runoff harvesting, surface water diversion or groundwater extraction (ii) rainwater tanks. off-channel water is owned by the individual or entity that abstracted the water and not available for water sharing.

This definition applies to:

off-channel water decreases

Outflows from the region's off-channel water.

This definition applies to:

off-channel water increases

Inflows to the region's off-channel water.

This definition applies to:

off-grid

Towns not connected to the SEQ Water Grid are considered off-grid.

This definition applies to:

on-grid

Towns and water treatment plants connected to the SEQ Water Grid are considered on-grid.

This definition applies to:

opening water storage

The total water storage in water assets in the region at the beginning of the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

other statutory water rights

Water rights granted by a jurisdiction, external to an entitlement system.

This definition applies to:

other water rights

Water rights granted by a jurisdiction other than those giving access exclusively to surface water or groundwater.

This definition applies to:

potable water

Water that is intended for use as drinking water and should materially meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2004, or equivalent.

Source: Derived from Water Regulations 2008 Schedule 3 Part 1

This definition applies to:

precipitation

All forms in which water falls on the land surface and open water bodies as rain, sleet, snow, hail, or drizzle.

Related:

This definition applies to:

pumpback reservoir

Collects non-potable water on an opportunistic basis downstream of a major storage. This water is transferred back to the main urban supply reservoirs in order to settle (i.e. reduce turbidity) and become part of the water supply source for that reservoir.

This definition applies to:

raster dataset

Represents geographic features by dividing the world into discrete square or rectangular cells laid out in a grid. Each cell has a value that is used to represent some characteristic of that location.

This definition applies to:

rating table

Any table showing the relation between two mutually dependent quantities or variables over a given range of magnitude, e.g., a table showing the relationship between the stage in a reservoir and its volume.

Source: waterinfo.nsw Water Information Glossary

This definition applies to:

recycled water

Treated sewage effluent, and:

• includes water extracted by sewer mining and subsequently treated

• does not include treated urban stormwater.

This definition applies to:

region

(i) Spatial unit on which sub-accounts of the National Water Account are built. (ii) Region is also the name given in the National Water Account to the water accounting concept of water report entity.

This definition applies to:

region note

In the National Water Account, a note that is not specific to a line item but may apply to all or part of the region.

This definition applies to:

regulated entitlement

An entitlement or claim to water is considered to be regulated when all three of the following conditions are met:

  1. The holder of a water entitlement or a claim to water can order the release or delivery of water as per their entitlement or claim.
  2. The volume of water as specified on the entitlement or claim is ‘at call’ and subject to relatively few access conditions under normal circumstances.
  3. The entitlement or claim to water is volumetrically well-specified.

All allocations on regulated entitlements and actual diversions of flows are reported in the respective water accounting statements of the National Water Account.

This definition applies to:

regulated flows

A river flow resulting from an upstream release of a licensed allocation. Note: the term river can be replaced by channel with the same meaning.

This definition applies to:

regulated river

River on which a licensed entitlement regime exists with centralised allocation, and from which orders may be placed for upstream release of a licensed allocation. A necessary, but not sufficient condition for a river to be regulated is that it is located downstream of a surface water storage. Note: the term 'river' can be replaced with 'channel' and retain the same meaning.

This definition applies to:

reporting date

The end of the last day of the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

reporting period

The period for which a water accounting report is prepared.

This definition applies to:

return flow

The volume of returns of water from delivery service providers or water users to surface water assets.

This definition applies to:

rights to abstract water

In the National Water Account, it is equated to the right to access water, which gives access to a share of the total water resource.

This definition applies to:

seasonal water assignment

For an interim water allocation, a water allocation, a seasonal water assignment or a water licence, means the assignment by the holder of the allocation, notice or licence of the benefit under the allocation, notice or licence to another person, for a water year, of all or part of the water that may be taken under the allocation or notice.

Source: Water Act 2000 (Qld)

This definition applies to:

SEQ Water Grid

The SEQ Water Grid was established in July 2008 to connect water supplies and treatment facilities across the South East Queensland region. This provides coordinated management of water resources. See SEQ Water Grid for further information.

This definition applies to:

soil moisture

The water content in the unsaturated zone of a soil profile.

This definition applies to:

special purpose water accounting report

A water accounting report tailored to the information needs of a user able to command this information.

This definition applies to:

specific yield

The storage property for an unconfined aquifer that defines the quantity of water that can be drained from an aquifer under the influence of gravity or extracted by pumping.

This definition applies to:

State or Territory water rights legislation

Precedent legislation for administering water rights in each State or Territory (ultimately vested in the Crown) and applicable to all water within the jurisdiction.

This definition applies to:

storage decreases

Outflows from water storages of the region. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 Storage.

This definition applies to:

storage increases

Inflows into water storages of the region. The value can include all or part of the water storages reported under line item 1.1 Storage.

This definition applies to:

storativity

The volume of water a confined aquifer will release when the water-level is lowered. Upon the lowering of water-levels in such aquifers, they remain fully saturated so that no dewatering occurs. The water released is volumetrically equivalent to the volumetric expansion of the water and contraction of the pore space. Also referred to as the coefficient of storage.

This definition applies to:

surface water

Water that flows over or is stored on the surface of the earth. For the purpose of the National Water Account, surface water consists only of water connected, either seasonally or perennially, to the rivers and not yet abstracted for consumptive purpose. It includes water administered by jurisdictions and water stored in surface water storages. It excludes water in off-channel water, urban water systems and irrigation schemes.

This definition applies to:

surface water access entitlement

Water access entitlement granted on a surface water resource.

This definition applies to:

surface water allocation

Volume of water resulting from an allocation announcement made on a surface water access entitlement.

This definition applies to:

surface water allocation trade

A transaction to transfer a surface water allocation from one legal entity to another, with or without change in location of the abstraction point. It includes the volume allocated on a previous tagged trade.

This definition applies to:

surface water asset

A region's surface water asset consists of surface water located within the region's boundaries and claims to water that may result in inflows into the region's surface water.

This definition applies to:

surface water decreases

Outflows from the region's surface water due to natural processes or diversions, and decrease of claims to water held on behalf of the region's surface water.

This definition applies to:

surface water entitlement lease

A transaction to transfer for a specified term a surface water access entitlement from one legal entity to another, with or without change in location of the abstraction point.

This definition applies to:

surface water entitlement trade

A transaction to transfer perpetually a surface water access entitlement from one legal entity to another, with or without change in location of the abstraction point. It excludes tagged trade where the trade occurred prior to the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

surface water increases

Inflows into the region's surface water or increase of claims to water that may result in inflows into the region's surface water.

This definition applies to:

surface water inflows

Volume of physical inflows to surface water during the reporting period from outside the region or from other stores.

This definition applies to:

surface water liability

Water liability relating to surface water.

Related: water liability

This definition applies to:

surface water liability decreases

Decreases in the region's surface water liability. It includes adjustment or forfeiture of the obligation to deliver surface water and in-stream use. It excludes diversion of water.

This definition applies to:

surface water liability increases

An increase in surface water liability as a result of allocation announcements, etc.

This definition applies to:

surface water outflows

Volume of physical outflows from surface water during the reporting period to outside the region or to other stores.

This definition applies to:

surface water rights

Water rights granted by a jurisdiction to access the region's surface water.

This definition applies to:

tagged trade

Trade of water access entitlement between legal entities of different water allocation plans where the entitlement remains subjected to the allocation rules of the water allocation plan where the entitlement was sold (the selling water allocation plan). When an annual allocation announcement is subsequently made on the water access entitlement in the selling water allocation plan, the tag is automatically activated and the original purchaser is credited with the volume allocated, less any applicable exchange rate or transfer loss. In the National Water Account, annual allocation tagged on behalf of the original purchaser are reported together with transfers of water allocations between different legal entities.

This definition applies to:

total storage capacity

The entire volume of water contained by the water storage at full supply level; equal to the sum of the accessible storage capacity plus the dead storage capacity. See the water storage diagram for more information.

Related:

This definition applies to:

total water resource

The total volume of water contained within the physical boundaries of the region.

This definition applies to:

treated wastewater

Water generated from sewage, greywater or storm water systems that is treated to achieve sub-tertiary quality. The main difference between treated wastewater and recycled water is quality, and quality is determined by the level of treatment. Wastewater treated to achieve super-tertiary quality is called recycled water.

This definition applies to:

unaccounted-for difference

An unexplained change in water assets and water liabilities during the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

uncertainty rating (methodology adopted by Department of Environment and Resource Management)

An uncertainty rating provided by Department of Environment and Resource Management for all line items provided by the department. The uncertainty ratings utilise the below adopted method from the National Performance Framework 2009-10 Urban Water Performance Report Auditing Requirements and Audit Report Template.

Reliability (A, B, C, D)

A Based on sound records with adequate procedures

B Mostly conforms to A but some deviations which have minor impact on integrity

C Data has significant procedural deviations or extrapolation

D Unsatisfactory data.

Accuracy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

1 +/- 5%

2 +/- 10%

3 +/- 20%

4 +/- 50%

5 Greater than +/- 50%.

This definition applies to:

unconfined aquifer

An aquifer whose upper surface is a watertable that is free to fluctuate in equilibrium with atmospheric pressure.

Source: Modified from USGS

This definition applies to:

unregulated

Water that is not stored for the purpose of supplying the orders of downstream users.

This definition applies to:

unregulated entitlement

An entitlement or claim to water is considered to be unregulated when the holder of a water entitlement or a claim to water cannot order the release or delivery of water. The holder must abstract or otherwise exercise their entitlement or claim subject to that water being available in the watercourse. For unregulated entitlements, only actual diversions resulting from the exercise of the claim are reported in the water accounting statements, not the claim itself. An unregulated entitlement may exist on a regulated river, where it gives access to unregulated flows.

This definition applies to:

unregulated flows

A river flow that does not result from a controlled release made to service an allocation, or flows declared to be unregulated by the appropriate authority. Unregulated flow can occur both in an unregulated river and in a regulated river, in case of a flow event that could not be retained and controlled by the upstream infrastructure. Note: the term river can be replaced by channel with the same meaning.

This definition applies to:

unregulated river

A river where there is no entitlement system at all or where there is an entitlement system that does not allow orders to be placed for upstream release of a licensed allocation. Note: the term 'river' can be replaced with 'channel' and retain the same meaning.

This definition applies to:

urban water system

It includes the following system: 1) potable and non-potable water supply, including pipes and tanks and off-stream ponds, which regulate water flow for operational purpose and not medium to long term water storage. 2) wastewater collection, including wastewater lagoons and ponds, pipes, tanks, pits, sumps and storages. 3) recycled water supply, including pipes, tanks and storage reservoirs.

Related: urban water distribution system

This definition applies to:

urban water system asset

Water located in the urban water system within the region's boundaries and claims to water that may result in inflows into the region's urban water system.

This definition applies to:

urban water system decreases

Outflows from the region's urban water system due to natural processes or delivery of water, and decrease of claims to water held on behalf of the region's urban water system.

Related: water distribution system decreases

This definition applies to:

urban water system increases

Inflows into the region's urban water system or increase of claims to water that may result in inflows into the region's urban water system.

Related: water distribution system increases

This definition applies to:

urban water system inflows

Volume of physical inflows to the urban water system during the reporting period; from outside the region or from other stores.

Related: water distribution system inflows

This definition applies to:

urban water system liability

Water liability relating to the urban water system.

Related: water distribution system liability

This definition applies to:

urban water system liability decreases

Decreases in the region's urban water system liability. It includes adjustment or forfeiture of the obligation to deliver water from the urban water system. It excludes actual delivery of water.

This definition applies to:

urban water system liability increases

Increases in the region's urban water system water liability. It includes all recognised commitments to deliver water from the region's urban water system.

This definition applies to:

urban water system outflows

Outflows from the urban water system; to outside the region or to other stores. For example the discharge of treated wastewater to a river or to the sea.

Related: water distribution system outflows

This definition applies to:

water abstraction

The physical abstraction of water from a water resource for use. It excludes in-system uses of water and results, at least temporarily, in a depletion of the resource. Unless water is abstracted illegally, it is abstracted under a water right. In case the right specifies a volume of water that the water provider is liable to deliver to the water user, the exercise of the right through the abstraction effectively decreases the water liability of the provider.

Related: water take

This definition applies to:

water abstraction right

A right that defines the location and conditions (e.g. rate) of the water abstraction.

This definition applies to:

water access entitlement

A perpetual or ongoing entitlement to exclusive access to a share of water from a specified consumptive pool as defined in the relevant water plan.

Source: Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Water Initiative Schedule B(ii)

Equivalent: water market equivalent terms

This definition applies to:

water access licence

Water access licence means an access licence referred to in section 56 of the Water Management Act 2000 (New South Wales)

This definition applies to:

water accounting policies

The specific principles, bases, conventions, rules and practices applied in the preparation and presentation of water accounting reports.

This definition applies to:

water accounting report

Either a general purpose water accounting report or a special purpose water accounting report.

This definition applies to:

water accounting statements

Comprise the Statement of Water Assets and Water Liabilities, the Statement of Changes in Water Assets and Water Liabilities, and the Statement of Physical Water Flows.

This definition applies to:

water allocation

The specific volume of water allocated to water access entitlements in a given season or given accounting period, and defined according to rules established in the relevant water plan.

This definition applies to:

water asset

Water, or the rights or other claims to water, which the water report entity either holds, or for which the water report entity has management responsibilities and from which an individual or organisation that is a water report entity, or a group of stakeholders of a physical water report entity, derives future benefits.

This definition applies to:

water asset decreases

Decreases in physical and non-physical water assets due to claims, natural processes or diversions etc.

This definition applies to:

water asset increases

Increases in physical and non-physical water assets due to claims, natural processes or diversions etc.

This definition applies to:

water availability

The portion of a water resource that can be abstracted, as determined by the total water resource and the rights to abstract water from that water resource.

This definition applies to:

water available for abstraction

For surface water, it is the total water in the surface water store deducted from the water that has to remain in channel (to satisfy economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes), according to the jurisdictional water legislation. For groundwater, it is equivalent to the physical groundwater asset.

This definition applies to:

water delivery right

A right to have water delivered by a water corporation and a share of the available flow in a delivery system.

This definition applies to:

water entity

A physical entity, an organisation or individual, that: (a) holds or transfers water; or (b) holds or transfers rights or other direct or indirect claims to water; or (c) has inflows and/or outflows of water; or (d) has responsibilities relating to the management of water.

This definition applies to:

water for cultural benefit

Water for indigenous purposes or other cultural outcomes.

This definition applies to:

water inflows

The volume of water which flowed from another store or from outside the region during the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

water liability

A present obligation of the water report entity, the discharge of which is expected to result in a decrease in the water report entity’s water assets or an increase in another water liability.

This definition applies to:

water liability decreases

A decrease in water liability due to forfeiture or a delivery of water.

This definition applies to:

water liability increases

An increase in water liability as a result of allocation announcements, etc.

This definition applies to:

water outflows

The volume of water which flowed to another store, or to outside the region during the reporting period.

This definition applies to:

water plan

Statutory plans for surface and/or groundwater systems, consistent with the Regional Natural Resource Management Plans, developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders on the basis of best scientific and socio-economic assessment, to provide secure ecological outcomes and resource security for users.

This definition applies to:

water report entity

A water entity in respect of which it is reasonable to expect the existence of users who depend on general purpose water accounting reports for information about water, or rights or other claims to water, which will be useful to them for making and evaluating decisions about the allocation of resources. For the purposes of the National Water Account this is the region as defined in the contextual statement.

This definition applies to:

water resource

All natural water (surface water or groundwater) and alternative water sources, such as recycled or desalinated water, that has not yet been abstracted or used.

This definition applies to:

water right

A right granted on the water resource (surface water, groundwater or landscape water) by the owner of the water resource (the State or the organisation to which the State has delegated its management power) to access, abstract or use water from the resource.

This definition applies to:

water storage

A hydrological feature in which water is stored. Surface water storages include natural and artificial ponds, lakes, reservoirs and lagoons, also the bodies of water held behind weirs and dams.

In the National Water Account, surface water storages include only artificial or natural water storages connected to rivers, which primary purposes are medium to long term water storage to service surface water access rights. These storages can be managed by an organisation to provide water to an urban water system.

This definition applies to:

water store

A place where water can accumulate. It may be natural, such as a pond, lake, aquifer or river, or artificial, such as a tank, reservoir, channel or pipe. It may be located above or below the surface of the earth.

This definition applies to:

water tracking and electronic reporting system

The Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management’s water tracking and electronic reporting system is an Oracle database that collects electronic data for licensed discharges from environmentally relevant activities, such as wastewater treatment plants, and industrial and commercial discharges.

This definition applies to:

water use right

A right that allows use of water by specifying location of the use (plot) and/or purpose of the use.

This definition applies to:

WaterHub database

The Queensland Water Commission’s WaterHub is a centralised web-based water information management system to store and provide secure access to water information. This is used to future analysis, planning and reporting. The modules that comprise the WaterHub are:

  • Volumetric Point Measurement Module (collects the bulk grid water meter readings)

  • Consumption Analysis Module (collects and consolidates SEQ retail billing data)

  • Reporting Facilitation Module

  • Production Analysis Module (calculates the weekly residential water consumption)

  • Demand Forecasting Module

The Reporting Facilitation Module automatically collates and sends the SEQ grid bulk water volumetric readings and storage level information to the Bureau.

This definition applies to:

Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme

The Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme is a water recycling scheme that treats wastewater effluent from Brisbane and Ipswich at three advanced water treatment plants at Bundamba, Luggage Point and Gibson Island. The recycled water system is managed by WaterSecure. The purified recycled water is pumped to Swanbank power station (located within the South East Queensland region defined for the National Water Account) and Tarong power station (located outside the South East Queensland region defined for the National Water Account) to provide cooling water previously supplied from Lake Wivenhoe. The system has the capability to discharge purified recycled water into Lake Wivenhoe to supplement drinking water supplies when Lake Wivenhoe storage drops to a trigger level of 40% capacity. See Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme for further information.

This definition applies to:

wholesale water right

A wholesale water right can be interpreted in the National Water Account as one exercised by the abstraction of water from the connected surface water, groundwater or landscape water stores. Wholesale water rights are those exercised over water resources specifically defined in legislation.

This definition applies to: