Water bottling and extraction companies on the Central Coast have received a huge tick for compliance from the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR).
The Regulator reported that water bottlers on the Coast, along with those in the Southern Highlands, Lithgow, Oberon, Hawkesbury and the Northern Rivers, had been visited and checked in January, August and September, with 92 per cent compliance with regulations recorded.
On the Central Coast, 25 properties with approvals to extract water for bottling purposes were inspected.
These ranged from small operations to large corporations.
NRAR reported that it had found no over extraction on the Coast and had issued three warning letters for administrative non compliance.
NRAR Director of Regional Water Regulation (East), Graeme White, said that he was encouraged to see such high levels of compliance within the industry.
“We are pleased to see so many water bottlers doing the right thing and following the rules laid out in their licences and approvals,” he said.
“Our officers visited 53 approval holders this year and identified only four sites with compliance issues.
“We have issued formal warning letters and are pleased to report that they have all taken steps to bring their operations into compliance.
“It’s important for NRAR, and the community, to feel confident that the water bottling industry is doing the right thing and that water use is fair and sustainable.”
The regulator collected evidence using a range of methods including desktop assessments, site inspections and interviews with property holders or occupants during site inspections.
Source:
Media release, Nov 25
Natural Resources Access Regulator