Newsroom

WaterNSW is advising that the NSW Government has today lifted the temporary water restriction (S324 Order) in the Namoi valley.

As record drought grips the Macquarie valley, WaterNSW is advising that Burrendong Dam storage will fall below 10% this summer without significant inflows.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the Murrumbidgee River at Hay Weir Buoy in the Murrumbidgee Region.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the storage at Pindari Dam located north of Inverell.

WaterNSW is opening the popular alcohol-free back area of Bendeela Recreation Area for the summer holidays.

Monitoring by Snowy Valleys Council has detected high levels of blue-green algae and a red level warning (high alert) has been issued for Mannus Lake and downstream in Mannus Creek, near Tumbarumba.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Murrumbidgee River at Maude weir Buoy and Murrumbidgee River at Redbank weir Buoy in the Murrumbidgee Region.

The NSW Government today announced the NSW Pumped Hydro Roadmap, a landmark WaterNSW initiative to harness dam storages to produce clean, hydro-electricity.

WaterNSW will revise its forecast flow peaks in line with community feedback after meeting with customers and other stakeholders in Mudgee recently.

The Red Alert for blue-green algae at Pindari Dam has now been lifted following two consecutive results below red alert levels at each storage site. Blue green algae concentrations have decreased over the past few weeks with the lake now at Amber Alert.

The severe drought conditions across NSW has resulted in government requesting WaterNSW to implement restrictions on water accounts for our Lower Darling customers.

A red alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Lakes Wetherell and Pamamaroo as well as Copi Hollow in the Menindee Lakes system, and for the Darling River at Menindee, all located in the Sunraysia region.

Sydney’s dam storage total could rise by up to 1.5% as a result of yesterday’s significant rain event.

WaterNSW will meet with Namoi valley customers and key stakeholders next week to discuss dam operations in the valley as dam storages continue to drop.

WaterNSW has advised Mid-Western Regional Council and a key stakeholder group that the bulk water transfer between Windamere and Burrendong Dams scheduled for January 2019 will take place in two distinct stages.

WaterNSW has today welcomed guilty pleas from a prominent Barwon-Darling irrigator in relation to three charges of breaching NSW water management rules brought in the Land and Environment Court.

WaterNSW confirms the structure and associated extraction on the Pian Creek is legal.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Lake Cawndilla in the Menindee Lakes system, located in the Sunraysia region.

The Red Alert warning in Lower Darling River at Burtundy and upstream approximately 20 km to include the Jamesville block bank pool has been lifted following two consecutive results below red alert levels.

WaterNSW has moved the timing of a proposed transfer of water from Windamere Dam to Burrendong Dam, via the Cudgegong River, from November to January 2019.

WaterNSW is implementing further drought measures to save water for critical needs in the Namoi valley as the drought’s impact intensifies across the region.

WaterNSW, the state’s bulk water supplier and river operator, is continuing to upgrade vital infrastructure surrounding its weirs along the Murrumbidgee River.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the Lower Darling River at Burtundy and upstream approx. 20 km to include the Jamesville block bank pool, WaterNSW announced today.

WaterNSW is taking steps to actively manage Namoi valley water resources as they hit critical levels.

WaterNSW, the state’s bulk water supplier and system operator, is building on its reputation for identifying and delivering water infrastructure solutions across regional NSW.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the storage at Pindari Dam located north of Inverell.

WaterNSW is undertaking routine work on Fitzroy Falls Reservoir as part of a broader portfolio assessment on all dams in the Greater Sydney area of operations.

WaterNSW, the state’s bulk water supplier and system operator, will begin a bulk water transfer from Split Rock Dam to Keepit Dam from 20 October through to early December 2018.

WaterNSW will assess potentially constructing a new mid-Macquarie storage as part of wider investigations into improving water resource management in the Macquarie Valley.

Much-needed rainfall in areas of the Sydney catchment and regional NSW will increase the likelihood of future inflows but have little immediate impact on WaterNSW dam storage levels.

WaterNSW has commenced transferring water from Lake Pamamaroo to Copi Hollow, while block banks constructed on the Lower Darling extend essential water supplies to landholders.

WaterNSW is opening the popular, family-friendly back area of Bendeela Recreation Area for the October school holidays.

WaterNSW has reached agreement with Murray Irrigation Limited (MIL) to use its infrastructure to transfer water more efficiently along the River Murray.

The extreme drought conditions across NSW have resulted in WaterNSW implementing restrictions on water accounts for many Macquarie Valley customers.

A Leura Creek Catchment Crawl was conducted with ~60 stage two and three students from Katoomba Public School and St Canice’s Primary School in August 2018.

Tomorrow (Thursday, 6 September) WaterNSW will commence pumping water from Lake Yarrunga.

Allegations of illegality involving dams and channels approved by WaterNSW in the Barwon-Darling are unfounded.

Greater Sydney’s water supply is large and secure, holding enough water to meet demand for at least two years, even in the highly unlikely event of zero inflows.

WaterNSW CEO David Harris today responded to the NSW Ombudsman’s report into water regulation compliance.

WaterNSW is inviting former dam builders along with the broader community to mark 50 years since the construction of Blowering Dam was completed.

The NSW Government has announced details of its initiative to waive the fixed charge component cost of most Water Licences in rural and regional NSW.

WaterNSW will undertake a bulk water transfer from Windamere Dam to Burrendong Dam as soon as November if current dry weather conditions persist.

Installation of the Burrendong Dam cold water pollution curtain has reached the final stage, with work to be completed in mid-August, allowing the trial to control downstream water temperatures to resume.

A Red Alert warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the Chifley Dam near Bathurst.

WaterNSW has further consolidated its role as the principal source of customer services and water information in NSW following the addition of crucial information to its website.

As a result of the NSW Government’s water reform package, there are now four agencies responsible for developing and implementing the regulatory framework for water management in regional NSW.

An update to the Red Alert warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Burrendong Dam located in the Central West. The whole storage is now on Red Alert due the high concentrations of blue green algae being detected on both the Cudgegong (Cudgegong River) and Mookerawa (Macquarie River) arms of the storage.

The 2017/18 water year is set to close which could result in some customers forfeiting water.

A red alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Macintyre River below Goondiwindi. This alert is applicable for the entire Macintyre River below Goondiwindi.

WaterNSW has developed a 20-year infrastructure options study for the state’s major rural river valleys to address future challenges in operating regulated river systems, with potential to enhance service levels and guide future investment.

A red alert warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Cudgegong River arm of Burrendong Dam located in the Central West region.

The Central West Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (CW-RACC) today announced that the previously issued high level algal warning (red alert) at Windamere Dam has now been downgraded to medium level (amber alert).

A pump restriction remains in place for A, B and C class irrigation licences in the Barwon-Darling as a major environmental release being conducted by WaterNSW on behalf of state and Commonwealth governments reaches Brewarrina.

WaterNSW advises the market that it has processed a large order from an established tagged licence in the Murray system for delivery in the Murrumbidgee valley.  The order was placed by Murrumbidgee Irrigation, who consented to WaterNSW identifying them.

The Barwon Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (B-RACC) today announced that a high level warning (red alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the storage at Copeton Dam near Inverell.

A major environmental release being conducted by WaterNSW on behalf of state and Commonwealth governments is set to peak on the Barwon River at Collarenebri within 24 hours.

In accordance with our Operating Licence, WaterNSW has recalculated the System Yield in respect of the Declared Catchment Area.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Lostock Dam in the Hunter region. The dam is currently spilling which may see blue-green algae concentrations moved downstream.

Temporary pump restrictions on A, B and C class water access licences in the Barwon-Darling Unregulated River now apply for the entire length of the system, WaterNSW confirmed today.

A Red Alert warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the storage Lake Windamere near Mudgee.

Water trading in the Murrumbidgee valley is set to close for the year and could impact on the carryover water held by licence holders.

WaterNSW has issued a red alert warning for blue-green algae at Goodhope in Burrinjuck Dam.

WaterNSW will begin delivering a major environmental release on behalf of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) into the Barwon-Darling system that could extend from Mungindi as far as the Menindee lakes.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Burrendong Dam in the Central West region..

The Central West Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (CW-RACC) today announced that the previously issued Red Level algal warning (high alert) at Windamere Dam has been downgraded to Amber Level (medium alert).

The Chaffey Dam wall will be opened for public tours as part of the WaterNSW Chaffey Dam Open Day on Saturday, 21 April 2018.

Temporary restrictions on A, B and C class water access licences in the Barwon-Darling Unregulated River announced on 9 March have been extended to 28 April, WaterNSW confirmed today.

WaterNSW has constructed a block bank between Lake Tandure and Lake Wetherell and commenced pumping from Tandure to Wetherell, to ensure maximum usage of water in the system to support local communities.

WaterNSW is encouraging campers and visitors to enjoy the designated family-friendly section at the Bendeela Recreation Area, with the rear camping area open to vehicles for Easter and the April school holidays.

The public is being encouraged to utilise a new online tool to be informed of possible blue-green algae alerts in New South Wales waterways.

The red alert warning for Lake Ainsworth has been lifted by Ballina Shire Council following consecutive results below red alert levels over the past two weeks. Lake Ainsworth is now at Amber Alert with some visible scums still present in areas of the lake.

WaterNSW has commenced the implementation of a key recommendation from the Matthews report into water management, which called for greater transparency around water regulation.

The red alert warning for Edward River at Deniliquin has now been lifted following consecutive results below red alert levels over the past two weeks. The Edward River at Deniliquin is now at Amber Alert with monitoring still in place.

A Red Alert warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the storage Lake Windamere near Mudgee.

The red alert at Toonumbar Dam has now been lifted following two consecutive results below red alert levels. The dam is now at Amber Alert with weekly monitoring still in place.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been re-issued for the Lachlan River at Willandra Weir.

A red alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Darling River at Caulpaulin and the Darling River at Wilcannia.

Temporary restrictions on A, B and C class water access licences in the Barwon-Darling Unregulated River will be in place from 9 March, WaterNSW announced today.

WaterNSW will implement more rigorous internal processes to ensure that information provided to regulatory authorities is accurate.

WaterNSW today announces that following an extensive period of investigation, it has commenced several prosecution proceedings.

WaterNSW is preparing to transfer water from Lake Tandure into Lake Wetherell as the Menindee lakes system total storage volume falls below 17% of capacity.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Lake Ainsworth in the North Coast region by Ballina Shire Council.

WaterNSW has welcomed a report into its operations by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the Edward River at Deniliquin and Gulpa Creek at Mathoura.

A red alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Macintyre River at Inverell.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued by Hunter Water Corporation for Williams River– Seaham Weir in the Hunter region.

WaterNSW strongly supports the NSW Government’s decision to establish an independent expert panel to advise on future longwall mining applications in the Sydney drinking water catchment’s sensitive Special Areas.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the Lower Darling River from Pooncarie to Burtundy inclusive, WaterNSW announced today. This red alert may slowly move further downstream with water flow although current results are at amber levels.

WaterNSW has extended its red level (high alert) warning for blue-green algae to take in all of the Hay Weir Pool.

WaterNSW has issued a red level (high alert) warning for blue-green algae at Macintyre River at Lake Inverell.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Toonumbar Dam in the North Coast region.

Public access to the Nepean Dam crest and recreation areas will be closed temporarily on weekdays from 19 February until further notice as work begins to upgrade electrical infrastructure at five of WaterNSW’s metropolitan dams.

A red alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Hunter River upstream of Glenbawn Dam in the Hunter region.

A red alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Manilla River downstream Split Rock Dam near Tamworth.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the Murrumbidgee River at Maude weir buoy, with the bloom expected to move downstream with the current.

WaterNSW has released figures confirming that evaporation and losses due to seepage consumed the majority of the water that made its way into the Menindee lakes system in the past 18 months.

A Red Alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Lostock Dam in the Hunter region.

A red alert level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the water storage at Split Rock Dam near Tamworth.

Port Stephens Council has issued a red alert for blue-green algal at Newline Road Wetland and Ross Wallbridge Reserve, Raymond Terrace, due to a bloom of potentially toxic blue-green algae Microcystis spp.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae on Mannus Lake near Tumbarumba has been extended to cover Mannus Creek downstream, Tumbarumba Creek and Tooma River at Tooma Road Bridge.

WaterNSW could begin pumping water from Lake Tandure into Lake Wetherell as soon as March if the prevailing drought conditions continue to dry the Darling River.

The Barwon Regional Algal Coordinating Committee today announced that the previously issued red level algal warning (high alert) at Copeton Dam has been downgraded to amber level (medium alert).

WaterNSW is advising visitors to Oberon Dam that the popular park will remain open for picnics and day visits, while maintenance work is underway on the playground, which will be off limits.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been re-issued for the Lachlan River at Lake Brewster, following an earlier red alert issued in December.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Manus Lake and downstream in Manus Creek in the vicinity of Tumbarumba. This algal warning would be expected to continue to move further downstream with water flow.

WaterNSW is working with Lower Darling landholders to maintain supply to Broken Hill while extending supply to communities downstream of Menindee lakes for as long as possible.

As required under the Pesticides Regulation 2009 Water NSW gives notice of weed and pest control work by Water NSW or approved contractors in the following locations within the Sydney drinking water declared catchment:

WaterNSW has launched a world-leading contact centre platform for our customers, building on a huge 12 months of transformation for the organisation.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Lake Wetherell and a red alert for Lake Menindee issued in September continues, WaterNSW announced today.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the Lachlan River at Lake Brewster and Willandra weir.

WaterNSW will increase staff and provide an alcohol-free, family-friendly section at its popular Bendeela Recreation Area in the Kangaroo Valley over the summer holiday period.

WaterNSW is planning to ensure Broken Hill and Menindee communities receive a continuous flow of water even if there is a repeat of the worst drought on record.

Landholders reliant on the Fish River Water Supply Scheme will be subjected to Lithgow City Council’s Level 3 water restrictions as WaterNSW completes vital maintenance work from December 5-8.

WaterNSW dams will capture any run-off generated by a major weather event forecast to occur in coming days over the central and southern regions of NSW.

The NSW Ombudsman’s most recent investigation was triggered in June 2016, when allegations were made against DPI Water’s (now Crown Lands & Water) handling of a certain matter. DPI Water continued to manage compliance in this matter into 2017.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the storage at Pindari Dam located north of Inverell.

Sydney’s water supply is protected and sustainable.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Boggabilla Weir, located at Boggabilla, near Goondiwindi.

WaterNSW has appointed a consortium of John Holland, MPC Group and TRILITY to design, build, operate and maintain the River Murray to Broken Hill Pipeline. The project will secure long-term water supply for Broken Hill and enable growth and prosperity for local communities.

WaterNSW’s five metropolitan dams are due to receive a $15 million upgrade to its electrical assets, making the sites safer, more community friendly and meet contemporary standards.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the storage at Copeton Dam near Inverell.

WaterNSW is system operator for the state’s water systems and in that function always seeks to meet both customer and broader community needs.

The scenic Bells Bay Camping Ground near Toonumbar Dam is under caretaker management and will be open for the school holidays, which begin next week.

Berembed weir reserve will reopen to the public from Friday, 22 September, WaterNSW confirmed today.

Key recommendations from a Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) report, which highlights the risk posed to Sydney’s drinking water supply by longwall mining, should be incorporated into the assessment of mining applications, WaterNSW said in a statement today.

WaterNSW welcomes both the Interim Report from Mr Ken Matthews AO, and the response from NSW Minister for Regional Water, The Hon Niall Blair MLC, of in-principle support for the report’s recommendations.

Burrendong investigation to impact river heights.

Stakeholders consulted on drought management options as inflows into Menindee Lakes dwindle.

WaterNSW will work with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Division of Resources and Geosciences (DRG) to ascertain the accuracy of data published today concerning contaminated water being discharged from Berrima Mine.

New Commonwealth Government initiative: Foreign Ownership of Water Entitlements – do you need to register?

WaterNSW to mark half century since Burrendong Dam built.

Water trading will resume in the Murray valley from 10am tomorrow (Tuesday, 27 June).

Increased efficiency in WaterNSW operations has driven down bulk water costs for most customers across regional NSW.

The Woronora Catchment south of Sydney has received over 171mm of rain since Wednesday which has resulted in Woronora dam rising from 95% percent full at the start of the week to 100% full.

WaterNSW is working with relevant authorities and mining companies in response to another minor catchment oil spill, the second such incident detected in recent days.

WaterNSW has co-ordinated a multi-agency response to ensure Sydney’s drinking water was not affected by a minor recent oil spill.

A minor oil spill on mining land approximately 800m from Avon Dam storage

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Lostock Dam, due to the presence of a visible algal scum observed in the storage on the 20^th April. Further testing is currently underway.

Releases from Wyangala Dam and Lake Brewster are changing, with some river levels and flow rates in the Lachlan river systems set to decrease, while users between Wyangala Dam and Cowra may experience an increased fluctuation of river levels of up to 0.3 m.

WaterNSW is calling for nominations for membership of its 10 newly established Customer Advisory Groups across NSW.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the storage at Windamere Dam in the state’s central west.

WaterNSW has closed public access to Berembed weir recreational area due to concerns about illegal and anti-social behaviour taking place.

WaterNSW will increase security and provide a family-friendly, no alcohol area at its Bendeela Recreation Area in the Kangaroo Valley over the Easter long weekend and the April school holidays.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the Murrimbidgee River at Hay Weir.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Lake Windamere.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Toonumbar Storage.

WaterNSW will replace a section of the Fish River Water Supply (FRWS) pipeline from early April.

Preparations for the second stage of the Keepit Dam upgrade will begin in the coming weeks, with access to the dam wall to be restricted from Thursday 23 March 2017.

Routine annual maintenance work on outlet valves at Burrendong Dam will not impact on water availability for downstream customers and other users over winter.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Pindari Dam.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Lostock Dam.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for Lake Inverell Dam.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the Darling River at Tilpa.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae has been issued for the Bogan River at Gongolgon.

WaterNSW has modified its approach to opening of trade applications under the Murray-Murrumbidgee Inter-Valley Trade account (IVT).

The total system of dams supplying Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra, is currently at 85.8 percent of capacity, with Warragamba Dam at 88.1 percent of capacity.

WaterNSW is pleased to announce the appointment of TCM Civil to undertake stage two of the Fish River Water Supply Replacement Pipeline project.

WaterNSW is working to identify a preferred option to improve long term water security within the Lachlan Valley region. We welcome nominations to join a Community Reference Group (CRG) as part of this project.

WaterNSW manages the Menindee Lakes system to supply licensed customers including Essential Water and lower Darling landholders, as well as ensuring water security for the region. The MDBA calls on water to be released from the lakes as required to contribute to the River Murray System on behalf of Basin governments.

WaterNSW will increase release rates from the Menindee lakes system next week to deliver water ordered by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), while operating the lakes to maximise future water security.

WaterNSW is advising customers and other users of Balranald weir pool that the water level is likely to fall well below usual summer levels during work to restore the weir’s function following recent flooding.

WaterNSW manages the Menindee Lakes system to supply licensed customers including Essential Water and lower Darling landholders, as well as ensuring water security for the region.

WaterNSW is welcoming campers to the Bendeela Recreation Area again this Christmas, with the rear camping area now open to vehicles.