Farms and on-farm processors (dairies, abattoirs, piggeries, feedlots, packhouses, wineries) fall under Section 21 of the National Water Act, administered directly by DWS.
Depending on volume and effluent quality, a farm either needs a full Water Use Licence (WUL) and it must be registered with DWS.
The right effluent system management will be measured by keeping the farm's water licence/authorisation intact, passing retail/export audits, and not having a compliance issue threaten the farm's ability to operate or sell:
An upcoming SIZA/GlobalGAP audit where water/effluent management is a known weak point — the sharpest, most time-bound trigger
DWS compliance inspection or enforcement notice related to a WUL or General Authorisation
Effluent pond/dam reaching capacity or overflowing — a physical, visible problem
Odour complaints or a visible pollution incident (runoff, groundwater contamination) — reputational and community pressure
Losing or risking a retail/export supply contract over an environmental compliance finding

We help customers and suppliers to link and grow businesses with smart strategies and marketing that delivers real results.
Quick Links
contact
© Copyright 2026 | All rights reserved.