NSW's Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) said the two irrigators each took more water than they were licensed to from the lower Murrumbidgee deep ground water source between between July 2017 and June 2020.

They will face the Land and Environment Court next month.

NRAR's water enforcement taskforce director Kirsty Ruddock said the charges will see the two irrigators taken to court.

"Water laws exist to protect the environment and ensure everyone gets a fair share. When someone breaches our water laws, it is not just water they're taking, it's a crucial community-owned resource," Ms Ruddock said.

"Breaching our water laws isn't worth the risk.We employ people on the ground across the state and have 'eyes in the sky' with our satellite imagery and drones.

"It's almost impossible to take water in NSW unlawfully without our knowledge."

One irrigator faces four charges of allegedly breaching two water management work approvals by taking groundwater in excess of the permitted amount.

NRAR said around 6000 megalitres beyond the licensed allocation was used.

READ MORE

Another three charges for allegedly taking additional water from an aquifer beyond the licensed amount between September and October 2019 and again in February 2020.

The seven charges carry a maximum fine of $500,500 each if proven in court.

The second irrigator faces one charge for allegedly contravening a term or condition of a water management work approval by taking groundwater in excess of their licensed amount between July 2019 and June 30. If proven, that charge carries a maximum fine of $500,500.

The irrigators are set to face the Land and Environment Court on June 11.

NRAR has a hotline for people to make confidential reports about suspected water misuse by calling 1800 633 362 or emailing nrar.enquiries@nrar.nsw.gov.au.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: