Drought

Water management during drought.

Drought response

The impact of drought is severe. In times of drought, WaterNSW works collaboratively with other NSW Government water authorities to respond appropriately and to manage water to meet critical human need as a priority.

As the dam, storage and river operator, in times of drought, WaterNSW has a key role to provide accurate, up-to-date information and data to our customers, local communities and other stakeholders.

NSW storage levels are always available and more detailed information is available via WaterInsights. In times of drought we will supplement this information with drought reports and seasonal outlooks.

Greater Sydney Drought Response Plan

To maintain a vibrant, liveable Greater Sydney, our water supply needs to be secure and resilient. This is especially true in times of drought. We are committed to working with Sydney Water and the NSW Government to proactively plan for drought to ensure that Greater Sydney can grow and prosper.

The Greater Sydney Drought Response Plan is a key action in the Greater Sydney Water Strategy Implementation Plan. It sets out how WaterNSW and Sydney Water will work with the NSW Government to respond to water supply challenges and risks through different stages of drought.

The Plan outlines the key decisions and actions and their timing, and the roles and responsibilities of WaterNSW, Sydney Water and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

This is an adaptive plan – reviewed and updated annually. It gives flexibility for decision making to adjust to observed conditions, emerging supply risks and the broader context.

View the  Greater Sydney Drought Response Plan (PDF, 4423.8 KB)

Related links

Extreme weather response

Floods

WaterNSW acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we work and pay our respects to all elders past, present and emerging. Learn more