NSW Water Efficiency Framework

About the framework

The NSW Water Efficiency Framework provides clear steps to design, deliver and review water efficiency programs. This best practice guide has been developed with the water industry and from evidence learnt in the last drought. This guide is designed for government, water utilities, councils and large businesses to use when implementing water efficiency initiatives.

The structure of the framework

The framework consists of 3 phases: plan, implement, and review. It has 5 elements to consider when developing and delivering water efficiency:

• establishing the water efficiency context
• analysing the current situation
• develop a water efficiency response
• applying the water efficiency response and adapting it.

Each element in the framework consists of 2 to 3 steps. The elements are also supported by 3 enabling factors:

• stakeholder engagement – who they are how they are been engaged
• resourcing and governance – who is responsible and funding
• capturing and sharing knowledge – capacity building.

Plan					Implement		Review
Establish context	Analyse situation		Develop response		Design and deliver options		Monitor, report, adapt
Understand strategic context	Identify risks and opportunities		Identify options		Undertake pilots and research and development		Evaluate program
Set objectives	Undertake demand analysis		Design and assess options		Detailed design of options		Report
Define boundaries			Develop and evaluate options packages		Implement options		Adapt
Identify and engage with community and stakeholders
Secure resourcing and ensure governance
Capture and share knowledge

For each of the elements in the framework, we have developed a series of guiding questions. The questions give practical prompts to guide what needs to happen at each step. Evaluation criteria to identify progress towards water efficiency best practice, and where more support or resources can be required is also within the document.