About the program
We are 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. The efficient use of water will contribute to the sustainability of long-term supplies as population increases, build resilience to drought and support readiness to respond to future extremes in weather.
Better valuing our precious water resources is an important message in the NSW Water Strategy, with ongoing water conservation practices identified as a required part of managing the ongoing water needs of NSW communities.
Increased investment in water system efficiency, water conservation and demand management can delay the timing and reduce the scale of investment in new supply infrastructure and maximise the value of our resources. Water conservation is strongly supported by communities and businesses, and across government.
NSW DataDrop portal to help save water
The NSW Government is leading the charge to save water by developing a new smart water monitoring portal which could save up to 2,700 megalitres of water – enough to supply 13,500 homes.
The NSW DataDrop portal is a $4 million innovation that will collate smart-meter data from many government buildings across the state, bringing thousands of unique accounts into one consolidated system which then uses AI to better detect leaks.
In collaboration with NSW water utilities and agencies, the portal will integrate water use and property data to improve understanding of consumption patterns across different sectors, strengthen benchmarking, and support better planning, and management.
The NSW DataDrop portal is expected to go live in 2027.
Water efficiency framework is a best practice guide to developing and delivering water efficiency.
A key aspect of the Water Efficiency Program is addressing network leakage and water loss as a priority.
Subsidising eligible low-income households to upgrade their inefficient top-loading washing machine to a water and energy efficient front-loading model.
We have a range of resources designed to encourage students to investigate what makes water such a precious resource.
Guidance and offers for working with the non-residential sector to help customers measure and manage their water.
We are partnering with researchers and other organisations to discover more ways to improve water efficiency.
The NSW Government is reviewing the BASIX water standards to ensure water security and resilience during drought.
From inside to outside the home, in schools and at the workplace, we can all do our part to help save water. Find ways you can help.
Partnership Approach
We have a dedicated Water Efficiency Program team who are collaborating with key stakeholders, including the Water Directorate, Local Government NSW, local water utilities, industry leaders and other government agencies.
To stay in touch on water efficiency programs or for more information contact the team by emailing water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au.