Water Services Regulations 2013.

The Water Services Regulations 2013 comprehensively govern the operations and management of water services in Western Australia. Specifically, the regulations establish protocols for licensing water service providers, including criteria for exemptions, operational audits, and asset management reports. They address issues such as family violence by mandating codes of practice and stipulate consultation processes for crafting such codes. The regulations also empower the Water Services Ombudsman to oversee disputes between customers and licensees, while detailing the ombudsman's jurisdiction and operational structure. There are provisions for the protection of water infrastructure, including guidelines on access to meters, prevention of contamination, installation of backflow prevention devices, and restrictions on activities near water service works. They extend to fire service connections, trade waste management, and irrigation services, notably for the Ord Irrigation District. Furthermore, they dictate terms for the submission and revision of water efficiency management plans, imposing compliance obligations on consumers and requiring annual reporting. Infrastructure contributions and development controls are addressed, alongside regulations for subdivided properties and multi-unit developments. The regulations offer mechanisms for objections and reviews relating to water service charges and establish detailed protocols for handling customer complaints. Lastly, provisions on water use restrictions prioritize sustainable water management, complemented by a framework for periodic review of the overall regulatory scheme to ensure its effectiveness and adaptability.