Water is one of our most valuable natural assets. We have a responsibility to the people of NSW to ensure we have an equitable and transparent approach to the management of our water now and for future generations.
We manage water to:
- support jobs, economic growth, the environment, and our health and wellbeing
- deliver efficient services with a focus on innovation, performance and affordability
- improve the health of waterways and their catchments to support our environmental, social, cultural and economic needs and values
- support the sustainable use of and access to water
- enable farmers and all water users to achieve and improve water efficiency with the available water, while supporting regional communities to adjust to a changing climate
- plan infrastructure that secures water supply and increases drought resilience across our communities
- support the wellbeing of rural and regional communities who enjoy the recreational benefits our regional waterways provide.
Who’s who in NSW water management
Local, state and federal agencies all play a part in managing water in NSW.
Ensuring water is equitable and fair for everyone
The NSW Government has built a compliance and enforcement regime that ensures strong and certain regulations for water in the state.
Roles and Responsibilities Agreement
Learn how the Department of Planning and Environment - Water, WaterNSW and the Natural Resources Access Regulator work together.
Independent review of water management and compliance
The department received Ken Matthews’ final report into water management and compliance in NSW.
