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 NSW, government responsibilities for water in the environment and water licensing and allocation are carried out by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW). NSW Office of Water, which is part of DECCW, has responsibility for water extraction in terms of planning and licensing under the Water Management Act 2000.

DECCW has a responsibility to help protect NSW's rivers, beaches, wetlands, groundwater systems, estuaries and other marine environments and the plants and animals that live in these habitats. DECCW is also a manager of protected wetlands and wild rivers, it 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 DECCW's responsibilities and expertise with respect to water. Find out more about the following water topics:

• Water quality (marine and rivers) advice on for catchment managers
• Stormwater advice for managers
• Beachwatch monitoring and reporting of the condition and health of waterways through programs, and State of the Environment reporting (every 3 years)
• Water pollution and treatment advice
• Wetlands conservation and management advice and support for other wetlands
• Water purchase under Riverbank to return flows to targeted wetlands
• Floodplain management advocacy for greater recognition and protection of Aboriginal values with respect to water planning and floodplain management
• Water planning and licensing

To support and assist sustainable water management in the above areas DECC has developed a number of resources. These publications and guidance resources can be found under the respective areas.

From an Aboriginal perspective community well-being and environmental health are closely intertwined. Many cultural practices and connections relate to places with water including waterholes, rivers and wetlands, and so their protection is vital in terms of sustaining Aboriginal connections and cultural practices. DECCW advocates for the greater recognition of Aboriginal values with respect to water management and planning.

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