Australia's water information legislation
Accurate and timely information about water resources is vital. It is used to inform water policy and management across Australia.
The Water Act 2007 is a national law that gives the Bureau specific functions and powers relating to water information.
The Water Regulations 2008 provide details to support the implementation of this law. This enables the Bureau to:
- collect, hold, manage, interpret and share Australia's water information and water markets data
- provide regular reports on the status of Australia's water resources and use of those resources
- deliver regular forecasts on future availability of water resources
- compile and maintain water accounts for Australia, including a National Water Account
- set data standards that make information easier to share, trust and use.
Changes to water information regulations
Recent changes to the Regulations are summarised below. A summary of amendments from 2008 to 2025 is available on Trove.
Approach and principles
The Bureau administers Part 7 of the Water Regulations 2008. This part of the regulations:
- identifies more than 200 organisations that must provide information in their possession, custody or control
- outlines what, how and when information must be provided to the Bureau.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water manages Part 5A, which relates to water markets information.
Compliance
We know that complying with national water information obligations under Part 7 can involve costs for organisations.
We also understand that each organisation is different in:
- size and complexity
- resources
- data held
- governance
- ability to comply.
Our approach to compliance recognises these differences.
Ministerial expectations and performance reporting
Ministerial expectations
The Minister for the Environment and Water has issued a statement outlining the Australian Government's expectations of the Bureau's organisational performance as Australia's regulator for water data and information.
An addendum to the statement outlines additional expectations for how the Bureau, as a regulator, will better balance risk mitigation with efficiency, growth and dynamism.
View the statement, addendum and the Bureau's response – the regulatory statement of intent – on our Commitments and reporting page.
Performance reporting
Reports on our performance as a regulator are included in our Annual Report and Corporate Plan. View Plans, performance and accountability.
This approach is in line with Australian Government Regulator performance guidance.
Licence to use this content
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