The impact of mining on water resources, and the need to include this major water using industry in future planning and reform efforts was a "sleeper issue that was only just awakening" according to National Water Commission chief, Ken Matthews.

The Australian Water Reform 2009 report, released in Canberra last week, found the nation's water reform challenges were broadening as "new needs are emerging" particularly in relation to urban and mining use.

The report said public submissions specifically noted the lack of recognition of the potential development of mining activities in water sharing and use plans, adding the "cumulative impacts" of a number of mines were raised by a number of stakeholders.

Some groups argued that the lack of consideration of mining activities in water plan development "is resulting in unregulated water use by, and unmonitored return flows from, the industry".

The concerns of the Minerals Council of Australia were also referred to in the report, with concerns within the sector "about the lack of recognition of mining in the planning framework".

The Minerals Council went further, arguing mining is not provided with the same entitlement security and water trading opportunities "available to other consumptive users".

The Commission acknowledged there has been little integration of those industries with broader water markets and water planning processes despite the potential for "considerable benefits" in many cases.

It recommends that consistent water access entitlements be defined for the minerals, petroleum and other industrial sectors, including plantations and other extractive industries, to provide secure access and the ability to trade with other users.