FAQs

Since the Policy was last revised in 2015, almost 10 years ago, several aspects have been identified as requiring further updates, leading us to review the Policy and open it for consultation. 

The discussion paper outlines 5 areas for proposed policy improvement: 

1- Improved protection of all underground (including saline) waters for future use

2- Update national water quality guidelines reference to current Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality, which includes recognition of cultural and spiritual values of waters.

3- Align the Water Quality Policy with the Planning and Design Code requirement that development applications referred to the EPA in the Mount Loft Ranges Water Supply Catchment are assessed to have a neutral or beneficial effect on water quality

4- Align the Water Quality Policy with the updated Code of Practice for Vessel and Facility Management (Marine and Inland Waters) 2019 (Vessel Management Code)

5- Updating schedules to ensure best practice, including:

• Schedule 2 – Class 1 pollutants
• Schedule 3 – Class 2 pollutants 
• Schedule 4 – Codes, standards, guidelines and other documents

It is the primary legislative tool to support regulation of activities that pollute or might pollute waters in South Australia.

The last time the Policy was reviewed was 2015.

The Policy does not affect how a person uses groundwater.