(1) Where

(a) a person claims water right or other interest in a water resource which is the subject of a new application, or

(b) conflicting claims of interest are made over the same water resources, the claim shall be referred by the Commission to the Water Users Committee of the Commission for resolution

(2) The Committee shall consider all statements from the parties and any information supporting the claims of the parties.

(3) The proceedings of the Committee shall be informal and shall be governed by the rules of natural justice.

(4) The Committee shall submit its report and recommendations to the Commission within fourteen days after completion of the hearing.

(5) On receipt of the report and recommendations, the Commission shall act on it within fourteen days.