A NSW Government website

Water

Our department is responsible for surface and groundwater management including ensuring water security for NSW.

About us

We are the lead agency setting water policy in NSW. We work with the water sector to ensure we have a strategic approach to managing water,

Science, data and modelling

Water is a limited resource and must be managed both for immediate needs and for long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

Environmental water management

Everything you need to know about water for the environment in NSW – what it is, how it is managed, current projects and data.

News

Stay up-to-date with our media releases.

Highlights

NSW water strategy

A 20-year state-wide strategy to improve the security of our water resources.

Hanging Rock Lookout overlooking Shoalhaven River at Nowra, New South Wales. Image courtesy of DNSW.

Fish deaths in Menindee

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

Dead fish in river and on riverbank

Have your say

Upcoming meetings, exhibitions, and other public engagement activities.

Aerial overlooking the beautiful town of Moree, NSW.

Water projects in NSW

This map shows initiatives that are either completed, committed to or being investigated as part of the NSW Water Strategy.

It shows how we are working in partnership across the water sector at all levels of government to invest in water infrastructure and service improvements.

Our work

Floodplain management

The Department of Planning and Environment regulates floodplain harvesting through licensing, measurement and management.

NRAR

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

NRAR staff inspecting water pump.

Regional water strategies in New South Wales

Sustainable and integrated water resource management for the benefit of present and future generations.

Sandy beach by Macquarie River, Dubbo. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.

Water sharing plans

Water sharing plans are a statutory obligation under the Water Management Act 2000.

The redgum trees on the banks of the River Murray in Tooleybuc, New South Wales.

WaterInsights portal

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

WaterNSW insights portal

Basins and catchments

Playing an important role in researching and reporting on river, groundwater and catchment health.

Aerial of the Great Artesian Basin, NSW.