Waikato Regional Council is urging farmers who have not applied for dairy shed water take consents to submit them before December 24.

Under council's Variation 6 rules, dairy farmers can take up to 15 cubic metres a day from bores or waterways for dairy shed water, subject to availability, but need a consent if they want more.

The WRC says dairy shed water take consents are due by December 24. Photo: File

While consent is still needed, farmers are guaranteed 'grandparented” access to the level above 15 cubic metres per day they were using at October 2008, provided they meet the application deadline.

Those who don't meet the deadline cannot be guaranteed access to the special 'grandparenting” rules.

Farm water project manager Amy King says they have received 90 per cent of the expected number of applications.

'We strongly urge any remaining farmers wanting a grandparented consent at 2008 levels to ensure they meet the deadline.”

Amy says Variation 6 itself was a response to the environmental pressure resulting from increased demand for water.

New central Government policy like the new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management also reflects the increased pressure on water resources and the need for management.

She notes the need to leave enough water in the ground or in waterways means there is potential for constraints on access.

But if limited by water availability farmers and others could improve efficiency so they can do more with the same amount of water, transfer permits between parties, plus harvest and store water at high flow times.

'DairyNZ in particular have been active in looking into and providing advice to farmers about such options.”

Amy says it is important for farmers to seek advice if they were considering expanding their operations and their need for water under Variation 6.

To discuss your circumstances and explore options call the Waikato Regional Council on 0800 800 402

Advice on consenting is also available from dairy companies or by visiting www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/watertakes