New rules for managing Canterbury's water, developed over six years, have been released.
An independent panel considered more than 1000 submissions.
The chair of the commissioners who developed the rules, Brent Cowie, says the main focus of the Natural Resources Regional Plan is water quality and quantity.
The plan sets targets for quality in rivers, stream and aquifers, for example, banning stock in some areas.
It also gives protection to some rivers, including the Hurunui, where large irrigation projects are planned.
However, in other cases no restrictions are imposed, making way for increased water takes.
