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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, and support sustainable environments, economies and societies.

Flowing water at Never Never River.

Our department

We lead the water sector to develop a strategic approach to managing water at the  state, region and metropolitan levels. We manage the state’s surface and groundwater and develop and implement plans for water security in NSW.

We manage regional and metropolitan water supply and use, and ensure  water resources are shared equitably and that we are transparent about how water is shared, allocated and managed. We deliver services and reforms which support sustainable and healthy environments, economies and societies.

We also deliver major water infrastructure projects and have built a compliance and enforcement regime that ensures strong and certain regulation.

Our department also works in collaboration with governments across the Murray Darling Basin to improve water security, river health and environmental outcomes.

How we work

Key water legislation and policies that guide how we work and an outline of fees and charges associated with water management.

A sandy bank on a sunny day.

How water is managed

We work to ensure there is an equitable and transparent approach to the management of NSW water now and for future generations.

An aerial view of Menindee Lakes.

Stakeholder engagement

We manage NSW's water resources and ensure water security for NSW. We are responsible for the equitable sharing of surface and groundwater

Staff working in an engagement session held in Tamworth.

Libraries

A collection of webinars, presentations and meetings that cover a range of topics across the water sector.

Water libraries.

Contact us

Contact information for general water enquiries during business hours, as well as a dedicated line for reporting illegal or suspicious

Contact us