This is the first of two articles by this author on water reform in NSW. It considers reform measures taken in the period 1975 to 1994, while a second article considers reform measures taken in the period from 1995 to late 1999. Because water management was and is complex, and the legislation unclear, both articles attempt to explain the relationship between the law and water management in these two periods. The articles also discuss important case law. An analysis of the factors that shaped reform in these periods and the manner in which reform measures were implemented has continuing lessons for water management in the State.