What we do

Our department is responsible for water security and managing NSW water resources, including surface and groundwater management. We also ensure equitable sharing of surface and groundwater resources and that water entitlements and allocations are secure and tradeable.

Through planning, policy and regulation and leads negotiations with the Commonwealth, including the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and other jurisdictions, we’re working towards delivering on the NSW Government’s water goals.

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    Our leadership team

    Meet our leadership team and learn about each division's responsibilities.

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    Roles and Responsibilities Agreement

    Learn how the Department of Planning and Environment—Water, WaterNSW and the Natural Resources Access Regulator work together.

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    Water sector coordination

    To provide greater clarity and transparency of the Government’s strategic direction for State Owned Corporations (SOCs) in the water sector, The Minister for Water and the Treasurer have issued Statement of Expectations (SoEs) for Sydney Water Corporation, Hunter Water Corporation and WaterNSW.

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    NSW Regional Water Statement

    NSW Government’s plan to support vibrant regional communities with secure access to water resources for the future.

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    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.

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    Water Reform Action Plan

    Find out how the NSW Government developed a Water Reform Action Plan to introduce best practice to water management.

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    Legislation & policies

    Information about acts and regulations, our policies, intergovernmental agreements and our role in assessing major developments.

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    Fees & charges

    Find out about the fees we can charge for licences, approvals and other dealings, water management charges and 2-part tariff billing.

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    Contact us

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

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    Stakeholder engagement

    Upcoming meetings, exhibitions, and other public engagement activities relating to water.