A proposed water bylaw would have little or no effect on most consumers, but those doing something illegal with Waitaki District Council supplies would feel its bite.
The council's assets committee yesterday recommended the draft bylaw go out for public comment, with water services and waste manager Martin Pacey saying it had taken six to seven years to prepare.
The previous bylaw had expired.
The new one would not greatly affect consumers who ''behaved themselves'', but deal with those who transgressed.
The council will make a final decision on August 6 whether to progress with consultation, which would close on September 8.
Feedback would be considered before a final decision is made in October.
The bylaw will enable the council to efficiently and effectively manage 17 different water supplies serving about 95% of the district.
It is aimed at ensuring everyone has reliable access to drinking water, quality service is delivered at a reasonable cost, water is allocated fairly and supplies are protected from contamination, damage and theft.
It covers such things as maintenance and protection of supplies, access for the council and contractors, applying for water, changing how people use their supply, storing water on restricted supplies and preventing water waste.
Protecting supplies from theft and damage is a major issue.
In recent years, the council had started charging with theft people illegally taking water, including those altering restrictors to get more.
