Chapter 3 - Freshwater Section 14 of the Act places restrictions on the taking of water. Policy is required to determine the circumstances in which the Plan will allow the abstraction of fresh surface water. There is generally adequate freshwater available in the Marlborough Sounds to meet most demands from land-based activities and development. Given that one of the important principles guiding the Plan is to protect the natural character of wetlands, lakes and rivers, it is necessary to ensure that abstraction of fresh surface waters does not give rise to environmental stress. Policy 1.3 provides guidance in the form of an allocation limit based on the minimum low flow of a stream or river. The low flow being the lowest level recorded for seven continuous days over a five year period. Objective 2 The avoidance or minimisation of conflicts between water users. Policy 2.1 To promote the sustainable, equitable, efficient and beneficial use of water, when allocating surface water. In some localities there will be insufficient surface water available for abstraction at certain times during the year. That is, demand for water will be greater than that which can be supplied from a particular surface water body. This could lead to conflicts among users as to priority or claim to the resource. Policy 2.1 indicates priority principles for resolving any potential conflicts. These are based on Policy 7.2.3(b) of the Marlborough Regional Policy Statement. 3.2.6 Methods of Implementation Rules The Council will control the abstraction of surface water and allocate the amount of water that can be taken subject to adequate flows and levels remaining in wetlands, lakes and rivers. Controls or guidelines, whichever is appropriate to the circumstances, which have regard to the availability of surface waters for abstraction, will attach to water permits for abstractions of surface waters. In areas affected by temporary water shortages, storage will be required as a condition of subdivision. Liaison/ Early The Council will liaise with fresh surface water users and Warning System provide an early warning system for potential ecological stress brought on by extraction during periods of low seasonal flow. Advocacy and The Council will encourage the establishment of alternative Education systems such as rain water storage, efficient use of water, and water conservation measures to reduce reliance on abstraction during periods of low seasonal flow. Monitoring The Council will continue to monitor the flows and levels of freshwater bodies, paying particular attention to those areas where abstraction occurs. 3 - 7