A sector based WUA acts in the interests and on behalf of a group of similar users. For example a group of emerging irrigation farmers could form a sector based WUA, or a recreational use, and so on.

A multi-sector based WUA acts in the interests and on behalf of a combination of different water users, such as conservation, forestry, mining, and irrigation collectively.

Interest is most likely to be shown in the establishment of WUAs for four main purposes (although there may be others):

• The taking and using of water for irrigation purposes on a commercial or subsistence scale

• Stream flow reduction activities (such as forestry)

• The treatment and disposal of effluent and waste

• To control the use of water for recreational and / or environmental purposes