The Labour Party's water policy for the general election calls for farmers to pay for the water they use.
The party says it would impose a water rental fee on farmers to fund new irrigation schemes and the cleanup of dirty waterways.
Labour water spokesperson Brendon Burns says the price would be adjusted depending on the region.
Mr Burns says Labour wants to bring national water quality standards into effect sooner than the current deadline of 2030.
He says his party would also put an end to the damming of wild and scenic rivers.