Upper Canal Drainage Improvements

The Upper Canal is a system of open canals, tunnels and aqueducts that has supplied water to Sydney since 1888. Stretching 64 kilometres, it transports water by gravity alone from four dams in the Upper Nepean system - Cataract, Cordeaux, Avon and Nepean to Prospect Reservoir, where it is treated alongside water from Warragamba Dam to supply Greater Sydney’s drinking water.

WaterNSW owns and operates the Upper Canal which starts at Pheasant’s Nest Weir (South of  Appin) to Prospect Reservoir near Blacktown in Western Sydney. The canal flows through a number of developing and established suburbs.

WaterNSW is carrying out drainage and access road improvements along the heritage listed Upper Canal to help keep Sydney’s drinking water supply safe and reliable.

The canal is surrounded by a drainage system that helps protect the canal and water supply during wet weather.

The upgrades will include:

• Remediation of surface drainage along the canal corridor
• Repairing of drainage systems like syphons and cross-drains
• Improvement of access tracks along the canal.

• Improves drainage performance during wet weather, reducing flooding and erosion risks,
• Extends the life of key infrastructure such as syphons and cross-drains,
• Enhances access to support ongoing maintenance and inspections,
• Helps ensure a safe and reliable drinking water supply for Greater Sydney, while preserving essential water infrastructure.

Work will start in late May 2026 and take approximately nine (9) months to complete.

Construction will start in the South at Appin and gradually progress North along the canal corridor over the Project period.

All work will be carried out on WaterNSW land along the Upper Canal corridor.

WaterNSW will work closely with impacted stakeholders and residents while providing updates throughout the Project.

For more information about the Drainage Improvements or to enquire about any of the Project activities, email engagement@waternsw.com.au or call 1300 662 077.