We are looking for feedback on our draft Water Services Bylaw 2026.

The Bylaw addresses the protection of water supply, conditions of supply, and a range of miscellaneous provisions relating to breaches, offences, penalties, transfers, enforcement, and fees and charges.

What are we proposing to change?

The draft Bylaw broadly covers the same content as the 2015 Bylaw and the 2018 amendment to the Bylaw. We have made some key changes following a review of the Bylaw to update it to align with the Local Government (Waters Services) Act (LGWSA).

The main changes from the previous Bylaw are:

  • Incorporating the changes from the 2018 amendment to the 2015 Bylaw throughout the 2026 Bylaw rather than in a separate schedule.
  • Changes to the Introduction (including definitions) to align with the LGWSA, update references to standards and legislation, and required the ongoing review of the Bylaw.
  • Updates to the conditions of supply to align with the National Engineering Design Standards and the LGWSA, Council notice requirements, and water restriction levels.
  • Amendments to fire prevention and backflow provisions to align with current standards and legislation.
  • Altering Council equipment, metering, and supply requirements to cross reference the LGWSA and adding a clause relating to on selling of bulk water delivery.
  • Amendments to the miscellaneous provisions relating to breaches and offences to align with the LGWSA and adding a clause to allow Council to take fees.
  • Modernising the maps in the Schedules and adding the Water Use Restrictions Schedule from the 2018 Bylaw amendment into the 2026 Bylaw as Schedule 6.

How to provide feedback

Your feedback matters! Share your views to help ensure our roads are efficient, safe and kept free of damage.

You can give feedback by:

  • Online: Fill out our online feedback form below
  • Physical Forms: These can be picked up from the Main office, 29 Bowler Avenue, Gore or the Mataura Service Centre/Library and dropped back off. Or posted to: Water Services Bylaw, Gore District Council, P O Box 8, Gore, 9740

What happens after the consultation?

Once the consultation period closes, the council will review and consider all feedback. We’ll then update the bylaw as needed, and the final versions will be presented to the Council for approval at the September council Meeting. We’ll keep you updated on any changes through this page.

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