20 March 2014 Chapter 6 - Fresh Water the allocation available within the class reduces and eventually becomes fully allocated. No further allocations will be made in that class except in the following cases: • Where the existing full allocation volume is reassessed and is increased, or a resource is assessed as having a larger safe yield, as a result of more information being available; • Where part of the existing full allocation volume becomes available following a permit renewal which reduces the volume attached to an existing permit; • Where part of the existing full allocation volume becomes available following the revoking of an existing permit. Three classes of water permit exist for each of the water resources, Class A, Class B and Class C. Allocation moves sequentially through each of the classes, from Class A to Class C (for further explanation of the triple class allocation system refer to the General Rules in Volume Two). Applications for allocations may be made outside of the triple class system but are Non-Complying activities unless they are Prohibited. The SFRs set shall form the basis of maximum allocation of water. The formula shall be applied as follows: • The maximum allocation shall be determined on the five year, seven day, low flow of the water body less the SFR of this waterbody if set, otherwise on a case by case basis. Not all activities will be required to fit water meters as a condition of a water permit. Non-consumptive diversions for example may be required to monitor and record water levels being diverted by some other appropriate means. However, water meters will be a condition of all abstraction consents. Where a damming consent is required in addition to abstraction consent a water meter may not be required. Where damming is able to occur without abstraction consent and is not a Permitted Activity, a water meter will be required at the outflow point. Priority areas include Waihopai River, Awatere River and Southern Valleys Water Management Zone. 6.4 Issue The inefficient use of fresh water resources can compromise the sustainability of the resource. Efficiency relates to both the use of water resources and administrative efficiency. Section 7(b) of the Act requires the Council to have particular regard to the efficient use and development of natural and physical resources. In addition to a statutory requirement, it is an effective way for meeting increasing demand for water in water short management zones without compromising the sustainability of the resource. In the longer term, efficient water use is essential if equity and sustainability of resource use are to be achieved in Marlborough. 6.4.1 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 To establish an efficient resource use regime and support sustainable management of the freshwater resource. Policy 1.1 To enable more efficient use of fresh water resources through implementation of a triple class water permit system. Policy 1.2 To allocate water on the basis of guidelines. Policy 1.3 To encourage water storage in water short areas, for use during low flow and level periods, by exempting water retained in storage from 6 - 9