Department of Water and Energy
Water management in NSW
Water is a limited and precious resource and must be managed for immediate needs and for long-term economic and environmental sustainability. With the effects of climate change now a reality, and increasing demands for water, sound policies are required to ensure a sustainable supply of water for the current drought and for future generations.
Our water comes from rivers, streams, and lakes (surface water) and water held under the ground in aquifers (groundwater). The Department of Water and Energy (DWE) is responsible for the strategic management of the State's freshwater resources.
This involves setting water policy; developing statutory water sharing plans; negotiating inter-state and national water agreements, determining how water available in a year is allocated to water users, particularly during times of drought; approving the extraction, use and trade of water; and monitoring the quantity, quality, and ecological health of our aquatic ecosystems and water extractions.
DWE also works with partner agencies and with the community to provide a reliable, sustainable supply of water for households, irrigators, farmers, industry and the environment.
State Water operates the major rural dams across NSW. Water supplies to households are the responsibility of local water utilities across most of NSW and State-owned Corporations in the major metropolitan centres.
For non-metropolitan areas the Department provides managerial, technical and financial support under the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program.
For the Greater Sydney region, the Department coordinates the whole-of-Government policy framework to secure a sustainable water supply through the Metropolitan Water Plan.
The Department also manages the Water for Life education program, a co-ordinated whole of government approach to water education.