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Water

Water, the basis of life, is fundamental for sustaining natural environments and supporting human activities, including development and recreation. The impacts of drought and climate change further threaten Australia's already limited water resources.

In New South Wales, government responsibilities for water in the environment and water licensing and allocation are carried out by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). The NSW Office of Water has responsibility for water extraction in terms of planning and licensing under the Water Management Act 2000.

OEH has a responsibility to help protect NSW rivers, beaches, wetlands, groundwater systems, estuaries and other marine environments and the plants and animals that live in these habitats. OEH also manages protected wetlands and wild rivers, purchases water for the benefit of targeted wetlands and river systems, educates stakeholders and advocates for protection of these environments.

Specifically, the list below outlines OEH responsibilities and expertise with respect to water. Find out more about the following water topics:

• river and marine water quality advice for catchment managers
• stormwater advice for managers
• Beachwatch monitoring and reporting on the condition and health of ocean beaches and coastal waterways and State of the Environment reporting (every three years)
• advice on water pollution and treatment
• wetlands conservation and management advice and support for other wetlands
• water for the environment, managed by OEH as the state's environmental water holder, which is using planning mechanisms, water purchase and water-efficient infrastructure to secure our wetlands and rivers for future generations
• coastal zone and floodplain management to help communities reduce threats from flooding and storms and ensure better preparation for climate change
• the community-based Waterwatch program which monitors the health of NSW waterways
• water planning and licensing by the NSW Office of Water which is responsible for managing access to water and ensuring water is shared between the environment, towns and cities, and farmers and industry as well as for Aboriginal cultural activities.

Water conservation is encouraged through education and grant schemes run by the Urban Sustainability Trust and NSW Environmental Trust. The NSW Government website Water for Life also contains useful information about reducing demand and conserving our limited supplies.