We enforce the NSW water laws to ensure that the environment, communities, and industries all receive their fair share.
We regulate:
- the taking of water
- the building and use of water management works
- how water is used
- activities on waterfront land.
We also provide educational services and engage with water users to encourage voluntary compliance.
We work to solve the most significant water compliance problems, and our compliance and enforcement activities are transparent and accountable. This way, the public can trust that the system is effective.
How we differ from other NSW water agencies
NSW DCCEEW – Water Group
Makes the rules
The Water Group of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water makes the state’s water laws and policies. These include water sharing and water resource plans.
NRAR enforces these rules.
The department also issues licences and approvals to large water users. NRAR previously held this responsibility.
Contact the Water Group if you have questions about the water rules and how they apply to you.
WaterNSW
Implements the rules
WaterNSW is a state-owned corporation. It maintains and operates the dams that supply water to customers and communities across NSW.
WaterNSW issues water licences and approvals for rural landholders, industries and non-state-significant developments. The agency also provides services and advice about licensing and approvals, water allocation trades, water licence trades and water resource information.
Contact WaterNSW if you have questions about licensing and approvals or water supply and allocation.
Learn more about what we do below.
NRAR is committed to helping people comply with water laws because we know most people want to do the right thing.
NRAR’s Investigation and Enforcement teams deal with the more serious cases of alleged non-compliance with the water laws.
Learn about how NRAR responds when water laws are breached.
Our strategy encapsulates our vision, our purpose, what we do, how we do it, our regulatory commitments, and our priorities.
NRAR meets and consults with NSW water users on a regular basis. Find an upcoming event near you.
Read the results of our community surveys to understand how water users regard water law enforcement in NSW.
Here you will find information on NRAR's Outreach Program and how it helps water users to understand and comply with the water rules.