The purpose of this law is to:

• set out the rights of the New South Wales government (the 'Crown') and other persons to the use, flow and control of water;
• make better provision for the conservation and supply of water, for regulating drainage and for the acquisition of land for such purposes;
• provide for the granting of licenses to construct and maintain works for water conservation, irrigation and drainage; and
• provide for the making of charges for the supply and use of water.