In addition, the Regional Plan also allows, conditionally, abstractions without a permit for supplementary surface and groundwater takes of a certain size (1.5-15 m3/day) and temporary takes of 150 m3/day for no more than five days per annum, and aquifer or well testing for 2 500/d for no more than 3 days. This was not surprising due to the high density of dairy cows in the region and the large volumes of drinking water required by lactating cows and the large volumes of water required for dairy shed operations. In 35 of the catchments more than 50% of the allocable flow is taken for these activities alone, and in 16 of these the use exceeds the allocable flow.