Reporting water misuse
Water is carefully managed in NSW to ensure there is enough to meet our needs and those of our natural environment. If you see water being misused or wasted, report it.
Know the rules about water use
Before you make a report about water misuse, make sure you're aware of what's allowed under the rules in your area.
Permanent water-saving measures have replaced what used to be called 'water restrictions' for many areas in NSW.
These rules set out how we should use water in our everyday activities at home and work, including:
- washing vehicles
- hosing driveways, pathways and other hard surfaces
- landscaping
- cleaning
- filling pools and spas
- fixing leaks
- cleaning and cooling animals
- construction and design
- using other water sources, such as recycled or greywater.
Some exemptions apply for health, safety and emergency reasons and for certain businesses.
How to report domestic water misuse
If you think someone may be misusing water from the domestic water supply, you can report it to your water provider or local council.
Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains and Illawarra
Sydney Water's Water Wise Guidelines apply to all residents and businesses in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.
Make a report to Sydney Water if you think someone may be misusing water.
Report a leak
You can report a leak in a public space in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra at Sydney Water.
If the leak is at your home, Sydney Water's WaterFix Residential service can help fix leaking taps, toilets and shower heads.
Lower Hunter region
Residents and businesses in the Lower Hunter must follow the measures outlined in Hunter Water's Smart Water Choices.
If you think someone may be misusing water in the Lower Hunter, you can report a breach at Hunter Water.
Report a leak
You can report a leak in a public space in the Lower Hunter at Hunter Water.
Rural and regional NSW
If you live outside these areas, contact your local council to report water misuse.
Report suspicious water activities
You need a water access licence to take water from rivers, lakes and aquifers in NSW. It is an offence to take water from a water source without a water access licence.
You can check the current water allocations for your region.
Water theft is a serious crime. It can threaten water supplies for legitimate water users and harm the environment.
Suspicious water activities may look like:
- pumping from a stream during periods when pumping is not permitted
- water flow in a river suddenly stopping
- a dam or earthworks being constructed in a creek or river
- water being diverted from a creek or river
- healthy looking crops when pumping is banned
- water carriers replenishing from rivers or creeks.