Water management strategies and research in NSW
Information on water management strategies, government agencies and research in NSW.
Water management in NSW
The NSW Water Strategy is a holistic plan for improving the security, reliability, quality and resilience of our water resources.
Learn more about the NSW Water Strategy.
There are many projects and programs underway to improve the security, reliability, quality and resilience of water resources across NSW. Find more information about NSW water projects and programs.
Water availability
The government monitors water systems in NSW and determines water allocations. Water is allocated based on availability and water-sharing plans. Allocations vary over time based on the water available in dams, rivers, and the current conditions of the catchment and the weather.
The government is responsible for:
- imposing temporary water restrictions for regulated and unregulated river sources, and groundwater sources
- setting water policy
- developing water-sharing plans and floodplain management plans
- providing expert advice to groundwater trades and bore applications
- providing technical and financial assistance to town water supply providers.
Water storage and licences
WaterNSW is responsible for:
- managing water dams, stores and pipelines to supply water
- protecting water quality
- most water licensing in NSW
- responding to natural disasters as they affect our water supply.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water licenses major water users, including:
- other NSW Government or Australian Government agencies
- local councils
- mining companies
- irrigation corporations
- schools
- hospitals.
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) enforces compliance with licence conditions and temporary water restrictions.
Water monitoring
WaterNSW monitors the quality and quantity of the state's surface water and groundwater. Data is collected from a variety of sources, including:
- river gauging stations
- groundwater monitoring stations
- weather monitoring stations
- manual sample collections.
Using this data, WaterNSW makes informed decisions on how to manage water resources and to share information with NSW communities.
Government research and preparation for drought
Programs to mitigate risks of drought
These government programs mitigate the risks of drought and to manage its effects:
- The National Drought Agreement (NDA) covers drought preparedness, response and recovery.
- The Extreme Events Policy is a framework to manage the response to drought and other events.
- The Future Ready Regions program helps communities plan and prepare for drought.
- The Safe and Secure Water Program helps to fund water and sewerage projects in regional NSW.
- Regional advisory committees provide independent advice to the NSW Government on drought.
- The Australian Government’s Drought Response, Resilience and Preparedness Plan.
Research into drought resilience
Read the latest research into drought resilience. These programs are improving farming and food production for a more sustainable future.