The ACCC says these rules, together with the Water Charge (Termination Fees) Rules 2009, will make it easier for farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin to sell their water rights and exit the sector or restructure their business.

Transitional periods were provided for in the rules to give irrigation infrastructure operators time to meet the requirements of the rules.

In June 2009 the ACCC issued guidelines to assist operators to implement and comply with the new arrangements.

The ACCC says a number of operators have made changes to their arrangements in order to comply with the new rules.

This includes amending their processes to enable irrigators to transform and trade their irrigation rights and to terminate their delivery arrangements if they wish.

"The ACCC will continue to respond to enquires and assist operators to promote compliance with the rules and encourages all operators to ensure that their arrangements are compliant," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said.

"As in all enforcement activities, the ACCC will investigate complaints and monitor for compliance with the rules.

"It will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against operators who do not comply."

* The ACCC's Water market rules and water charge rules — Enforcement Guide is available here .