Volume One 5. Allocation of Public Resources [R] Policy 5.5.3 – Avoid any additional diversion of water from over-allocated water resources for use on land in other freshwater management units. Over time, many water users have been innovative in addressing the shortage of water in an area by diverting available water from other water resources. However, diverting water from an over- allocated water resource to another freshwater management unit will not result in sustainable outcomes and is to be avoided. [R] Policy 5.5.4 – Progressively resolve over-allocation of the Wairau Aquifer Freshwater Management Unit and Riverlands Freshwater Management Unit by ensuring water permits granted after 9 June 2016 to continue taking water from the Freshwater Management Units reflect the reasonable demand given the intended use. This policy sets out the means by which the over-allocation of groundwater from the Wairau Aquifer and Riverlands Aquifer will be resolved. The application of the policies to achieve efficient water use (see Policies 5.7.1 to 5.7.6) will reduce the cumulative allocation of water from the Wairau Aquifer over time. By 2025 it is expected that the total allocation authorised by resource consent will reflect the allocation limit. This policy will assist to give effect to Policy B6 of the NPSFM. [R] Policy 5.5.5 – Resolve over-allocation of the Benmorven, Brancott and Omaka Aquifer Freshwater Management Units by reducing individual resource consent allocations on a proportional basis, based on the total allocation available relative to each individual’s irrigated land area, or equivalent for non-irrigation water uses (excluding domestic and stock water). The reductions will be achieved by reviewing the conditions of the relevant water permits to reallocate the available allocation fairly across all relevant users. This policy sets out the means by which the over-allocation of groundwater from the Benmorven, Brancott and Omaka Aquifer FMUs will be resolved. A reduction in the allocation that has been granted resource consent, based on reallocating the total allocation available relative to each individual’s irrigated land area, is considered to be the most equitable means of reducing total allocation of water from these FMUs. Where water use is for non-irrigation purposes, such as winery or commercial use, the proportion of the reallocation will be calculated to be relative to irrigation water permit holders. A degree of reduction of allocation has already occurred prior to the notification of the MEP through the processing of some water permits to continue taking water from these resources. Some resource consent applicants have also applied to take less water than the guideline rate under the provisions of the WARMP/MSRMP. These actions will be taken into account in terms of the application of the policy to these specific water permits. The reductions will be calculated and applied by reviewing the conditions of water permits in accordance with Section 128(1)(b) of the RMA. Reflecting Policy 5.3.1, no proportional reduction of allocation has been applied to takes used to supply stock or domestic water. This policy will assist to give effect to Policy B6 of the NPSFM. Issue 5F – The taking of groundwater in proximity to rivers can individually or collectively reduce flows in the rivers. For most of Marlborough’s water resources, there is exchange of water between rivers and underlying groundwater. Because of this interaction, the taking of groundwater can reduce the flow in the river, termed a "stream depletion" effect. The degree of stream depletion will vary 5 – 21