Maintaining water quality

At WaterNSW, there are many ways we maintain raw water quality, however, it is important to realise that our waterways and storages are part of the natural environment and, as such, can be impacted by natural events such as rainfall that can wash debris into our river systems and storages. This debris can adversely impact raw water quality.

Regional NSW

In regional NSW, we monitor raw water quality in our river systems and storages, looking specifically for signs of blue-green algae or for signs that a waterway isn't healthy.
An unhealthy waterway can adversely affect fish, birds and other wildlife. If we detect that a waterway in not healthy we will contact other agencies, such as Department of Fisheries, to come and investigate.

Greater Sydney Drinking Water Catchment

Managing the Greater Sydney catchment areas and ensuring we reduce pollution risks is a key responsibility of ours. Additionally, we also regularly monitor water quality in our dams, canals and pipelines.