Water is a limited and precious resource and must be managed both 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 present and future generations.
Our water comes from rivers, streams, and lakes (surface water) and water held under the ground in aquifers (groundwater). The NSW Office of Water is responsible for the strategic management of the State's freshwater resources. This involves:
- setting water policy
- developing statutory water sharing plans
- negotiating interstate and national water agreements
- determining how available water is allocated to water users, particularly during times of drought
- approving the extraction, use and trade of water
- monitoring the quantity and quality of water extractions
- monitoring the ecological health of our aquatic ecosystems.
The Office of Water 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 Office of Water provides managerial, technical and financial support under the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program.
Responsibility for the following actiivies previously managed by the NSW Office of Water was transferred to the Deppartment of Finance and Services in June 2011.
- For the greater Sydney region, coordination of the whole-of-government policy framework to secure a sustainable water supply through the Metropolitan Water Plan.
- For the lower Hunter region, leading development of a new Lower Hunter Water Plan to secure a sustainable water supply.
- Management of the Water for Life education program, a co-ordinated whole-of-government approach to water education.
Catchment descriptions
NSW Office of Water is currently developing detailed catchment description reports, initially for the major inland regulated river valleys and later covering the whole state. The reports include information such as climate, hydrology, environmental aspects, land use, water resources, regulating structures and water resource management.