The New Zealand Maori Council is drafting a claim on behalf of about 30 hapu who say they own the water in their area.
The hapu, who come from throughout the country, claim their right to protect their taonga or treasure is being ignored by councils and businesses who are using the water.
Maori Council executive chairman Maanu Paul says the hapu can prove they once owned the water in their area and that their rights have been eroded over time.
He says they are concerned about the amount of water being used by councils and private companies.
Mr Paul says the Government needs to sit down with the Maori Council to negotiate how the Treaty rights of Maori are protected and how the hapu can exercise ownership of their Treaty rights in regards to water.
