Two plans changes affecting the use of water in Otago will become operative on March 1.
The Otago Regional Council yesterday gave final "seal" of approval to a regional water plan change covering water allocation and use and one covering groundwater and the North Otago aquifer.
Allocation plan change 1C, which was first notified in 2008, had been held up by appeals to the Environment Court but they had recently been settled through mediation, allowing for the plan to become operative.
Chief executive Graeme Martin said it was now up to the council and community to "grasp the opportunity" the plan change allowed for.
Cr Gretchen Robertson said the "revolutionary pathway" chosen by the council had been angrily received by many in the region, but through the work of staff and consultation it had become accepted by the community.
The groundwater and North Otago aquifer plan change 4A aimed to improve groundwater management from the North Otago volcanic aquifer, extending the boundaries, setting a maximum volume and amending existing restrictions.
Cr Trevor Kempton said the science had highlighted the untapped potential of the aquifer and the change provided a good balance between the environment and economic development.
