Local water utilities
Our department, along with other local water utility regulators, oversees and supports local water utilities in their delivery of water supply and sewerage services.
By working in partnership with regulators and the wider sector, local water utilities can manage risks and priorities in urban water systems more strategically and effectively. This will reduce the risks to regional NSW communities over time.
Our vision for the local water utility sector, shared by all sector stakeholders, is:
Safe, secure, sustainable and affordable water and sewerage services for healthy and resilient communities, businesses and the environment, now and into the future.
The NSW Productivity and Equality Commission’s report on reforming Local Water Utility funding aims to identify new sustainable, efficient and equitable funding models. The NSW Government is currently addressing the report and responding to its recommendations.
Regulation and assurance
The department engages with local water utilities to set statewide policy, and state and regional strategies, as well as providing regulation and assurance as well as support and advice under its Regulatory and assurance framework for local water utilities (PDF, 1100.53 KB)
About the regulatory and assurance framework for local water utilities.
Information about water utility strategic planning and the department’s assurance role.
Assessments, approvals, inspections, and applications of water treatment and sewerage works for regional NSW.
Information about the department’s dividend and broader pricing oversight roles.
Information about the department’s concurrence role and our guidelines for approval to manage and discharge liquid trade waste.
Compare and learn about local water utilities’ water supply and sewerage usage.
Support, training, and funding
The department provides support, advice and assistance with funding for water and sewerage works to local water utilities:
Courses, training, and workforce information for staff who are new or progressing in the industry.
Discover the current and completed programs benefiting local water utilities.
Case studies, reports, induction handbooks, templates, newsletters, and videos for councillors.
The department provides strategic advice and technical support to local water utilities and other stakeholders for regional urban water supply and sewerage services.
A list of local councils and utilities that carry out water supply and sewerage functions in NSW.
Discover the benefits of a career in the NSW water industry to help support the health of communities and the environment.
The department supports the use of alternative water sources to provide cities and towns with a resilient and secure water supply.
The Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents of 63 eligible Aboriginal communities across the state by providing safe and effective water and sewerage services.
The cost-benefit analysis guidelines for water conservation projects are an economic tool for water utilities.
Read our newsletters
We’re committed to updating local water utilities about our programs and other relevant information in our monthly newsletter, which is distributed to local water utilities.
Read newsletters