A NSW Government website

Water

Leading the NSW water sector in the strategic management of water to support environments, economies and communities.

Current affairs

View of Lake Burragarong

Today’s mostly full opening water allocations reflect the state’s continued good water availability following consecutive wet years.  This is good news for licenced water users, who will see most entitlements nearing maximum allowable levels.

Digger working on a levy

The NSW Government is continuing to stride forward on its Murray-Darling Basin Plan commitments by opening up applications for on-farm efficiency projects to help deliver more water back to the environment.

Cleaning up dead fish in river

For information about the ongoing monitoring and management of fish deaths.

Our work

Information on water allocations and availability in New South Wales.

Before you use, take, or trade water, or start work on waterfront land in NSW, you must obtain all necessary licences and approvals.

Information about non-urban metering, including what water users need to know, community engagement and project updates.

Projects that contribute to the safety, security and sustainability of our water resources.

Plans and strategies underway and under development.

Current projects and programs underway for NSW water resources.

Floodplain management aims to improve and maintain natural floodplain flows in rural areas.

Managing water for both immediate needs and for long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

Useful links

The department, along with other local water utility regulators, oversees and supports local water utilities in their delivery of water supply and sewerage services.

NRAR staff inspecting water pump.

NRAR is responsible for the enforcement of water laws in NSW through monitoring compliance and education.

WaterNSW insights portal

Providing comprehensive information about how water is managed and shared in NSW.

View of dam on a sunny day

Independent regulator responsible for ensuring dam owners manage the safety of declared dams in NSW.

Manly Hydraulics Laboratory

Providing specialist and impartial advice relating to coastal and water engineering and water flow assurance.