The various functions and powers of the authority outlined in Karnataka groundwater (regulation and control of development and management) bill, 2006, are as follows -

• The Authority can after consultations with various expert bodies arrive at an opinion that it is necessary or expedient in the public interest to control and regulate the extraction or the use or both of groundwater in any form in any area. It can then advise the Government to declare any such area to be a notified area for the purpose of this act with effect from such date as may be specified within.
• If in the opinion of the Authority the availability of groundwater has improved in a notified area, it may, in consultation with various expert bodies advise Government to de-notify such area and the Government may do so according to the procedure prescribed. 
• The Authority shall also take steps to ensure that exploitation of groundwater resources does not exceed the natural replenishment to the aquifers.
• The Government on the advice of the Authority may take steps as far as possible to ensure augmentation of groundwater resources in addition to regulatory measures. 
• The Authority shall maintain and upkeep the database on groundwater related information.

Read the act