A NSW Government website

Media enquiries

For all water related media enquiries please email media@environment.nsw.gov.au

Subscribe to updates

To stay updated on water management matters, water projects and plans, visit our subscription centre and select the topics that matter to you most.

Sign up here

Hypoxic blackwater in western and southern NSW

23 December 2021

The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) is warning hypoxic blackwater conditions are occurring along the Barwon-Darling River, which have impacted fish, causing some recent deaths.

Ken Matthews' statement on interim report

8 December 2021

Ken Matthews' announcement regarding his interim report for Independent Investigation into NSW Water Management and Compliance

Cockburn River water connectivity study progressing

3 September 2021

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment today released a progress report into the water connectivity study being undertaken on the Cockburn River to assess interaction between surface and groundwater.

NSW water allocations reflect some easing after record drought conditions

1 July 2021

Opening water allocations announced by the department for NSW licenced water users reflect continued recovery in available water resources across the state.

Temporary water restriction for Upper Lachlan groundwater extended

25 June 2021

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment today announced the extension of the temporary water restriction for the Upper Lachlan Groundwater Management Zone 1 in the Upper Lachlan Alluvial Groundwater Source.

Supplementary allocation reductions for Gwydir and Border Rivers

8 June 2021

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has today advised that supplementary water allocations for the Gwydir and Border Rivers are likely to see reduced allocations commencing in the 2021-22 water year.

Inter-Valley Trade with the Lower Darling is now open

13 May 2021

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has lifted the Lower- Darling inter-valley trade restriction.

NRAR sets sights on quarry compliance

25 March 2021

Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) officers will be visiting quarries in the Northern Rivers, the Hunter and Sydney Metro to assess their compliance with water laws.

Temporary water restriction for Mortons Creek extended

11 December 2020

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment today announced the temporary water restriction order which applies to the Mortons Creek Water Source has been extended, with the new expiry date of 31 March 2021.

Temporary water restrictions for Thule and Tuppal Creeks

15 September 2020

The department announced temporary water restrictions for unregulated river water access licence holders from Thule and Tuppal creeks.

Temporary water restrictions for Buccaneit and Cunninyuek Creeks

15 September 2020

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment today announced temporary water restrictions for unregulated river water access licence holders from parts of Buccaneit and Cunninyeuk creeks within the Murray below Mulwala water source.

Independent panel releases final report on first flush event

9 September 2020

An independent panel commissioned to assess the management of the 2020 Northern Basin first flush event has released its final report, Secretary for the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Jim Betts has announced.