About our work
Our department, along with other local water utility regulators, oversees and supports local water utilities in their delivery of water supply and sewerage services.
By working in partnership with regulators and the wider sector, local water utilities can manage risks and priorities in urban water systems more strategically and effectively. This will reduce the risks to regional NSW communities over time.
Our vision for the local water utility sector, shared by all sector stakeholders, is:
Safe, secure, sustainable and affordable water and sewerage services for healthy and resilient communities, businesses and the environment, now and into the future.
Regulation and assurance
The department engages with local water utilities to set statewide policy, and state and regional strategies, as well as providing regulation and assurance as well as support and advice under its Regulatory and assurance framework for local water utilities
About the regulatory and assurance framework for local water utilities.
Information about water utility strategic planning and the department’s assurance role.
Assessments, approvals, inspections, and applications of water treatment and sewerage works for regional NSW.
Information about the department’s dividend and broader pricing oversight roles.
Information about the department’s concurrence role and our guidelines for approval to manage and discharge liquid trade waste.
Compare and learn about local water utilities’ water supply and sewerage usage.
A list of local councils and utilities that carry out water supply and sewerage functions in NSW.
Support and advice
The department provides support, advice and assistance with funding for water and sewerage works to local water utilities:
Case studies, reports, induction handbooks, templates, newsletters, and videos for councillors.
Stay up to date with news for local water utilities through our monthly newsletters and regular webinars.
Local water utilities must have a water access licence and a water supply work approval to extract water from a water source.
The department supports the use of alternative water sources to provide cities and towns with a resilient and secure water supply.
An economic tool for water utilities.
Per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals used to make products and can remain in the environment, including water and soil, for a long time.
Training and careers
Courses, training, and workforce information for staff who are new or progressing in the industry.
Discover the benefits of a career in the NSW water industry to help support the health of communities and the environment.
Partnering with key stakeholders to address skill shortages in the sector.
Local water utility reform
Addressing the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission’s Review of Alternative Funding Models for Local Water Utilities.
Funding and other programs
A suite of programs to provide greater support for local water utilities in the delivery of safe and secure services.
This program aims to support local water utilities with high-risk category treatment plants to reduce the water quality risks through improved operation and monitoring.
The Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents of 63 eligible Aboriginal communities across the state by providing safe and effective water and sewerage services.
This program co-funds eligible water and sewerage projects in regional NSW that solve high priority risks to water security, drinking water quality and the environment.
Emergency relief is available to Local Water Utilities towards the cost of water carting or water supply works during periods of emergency.
Seeking new ways and approaches to working with the community to ensure we have secure, reliable water sources and to build future resilience to climate change and droughts.
Contact us
For more information call us on 1300 081 047 or email us at water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au