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title: Water Directorate February 2026 e-news
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| View in browser FEBRUARY 2026 Hello, and welcome to our first newsletter for 2026!   Record temperatures across NSW, particularly in the west, have tested water security and the resilience of our water supply assets. The Water Directorate has been collaborating on a number of water security initiatives, including a town water security diagnostic/stocktake, as drought contingency and emergency response planning.   We have also been facilitating discussions on strategic planning between our member Local Water Utilities, sharing helpful case studies looking through the lens of the Integrated Planning and Reporting framework.   The Water Directorate will continue to advocate for: Regulatory and funding reform - continue the Safe and Secure Water Program, urgently implement a community service obligation for local water utilities, streamline approvals for projects and promote innovation. Renew our focus on water for critical human needs - we need a strategic view of our water security challenges for regional NSW and a focus on implementing solutions. Incentivisation of regional collaboration - to promote access to specialist skills and deliver regional programs, through a dedicated funding program along the lines of the QWRAP program in Queensland.  Implementation of a digital water utilities program - leveraging the success of DCCEEW's Regional Leakage Reduction Program and Advanced Operational Support program.   🚀 New website under development Finding information, accessing services, and engaging with us is about to get easier, with a new and improved website. Some things will look different, and not everything is final yet. That’s intentional, as we continue to improve our member experience, including moving from organisation‑based to individual member logins. PFAS Feedback The Water Directorate will submit a response today to the NSW EPA regarding their proposed PFAS Monitoring Chemical Control Order (CCO) that sets out PFAS monitoring requirements for landfills and sewage treatment plants (STPs). Have Your Say Webinar Hosted by the DCCEEW, the Water Engagement Roundup on 18 February 2026 will focus on the Water Sharing Plans amendment package. Register Now Water Skills Forum Now in its ninth year, the Annual Water Skills Forum on 19 March 2026 arrives at a critical moment for the industry. Registrations are now open. Register Now EOI - LGNSW Conference LGNSW is calling for presentation proposals for the 2026 LGNSW Water Management Conference. The closing date for the first round of submission proposals is 20 March 2026. More Information Data centres inquiry An Upper House inquiry has been established to inquire into and report on data centres in NSW. Submissions can be made via the inquiry webpage and will close 27 March 2026.  More info New Training Resources A customisable training guide for planning and delivering incident and emergency scenario exercises for LWUs is now available, with example scenarios. Developed by the Advanced Operational Support Team at DCCEEW, read more in our Blog. Guide Examples RAF - What we heard report This report outlines feedback received by DCCEEW from the sector about the implementation of the Regulatory and Assurance Framework for local water utilities (RAF) between May - July 2025. PFAS - NSW Government Response On 25 September 2024, a Legislative Council select committee was established to inquire into and report on PFAS contamination in waterways and drinking water supplies throughout NSW. Read the final report here.  Regional Water Strategies The NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee regional water strategies are now finalised and published. Visit the regional water strategies program website.  New funding to safeguard Narrabri water supply The NSW Government has committed an additional $4 million for Narrabri Shire Council to deliver a portable water treatment plant to treat water from two PFAS-contaminated bores to a level that meets ADWG. News article here. Workforce Survey NSW LWUs could benefit from a streamlined approach to workforce data collection in 2026, with a new collaboration between the Water Group from DCCEEW and BuildSkills Australia. The survey is expected to launch in March 2026. Latest water related news from DCCEEW NSW Government delivers fairer dispute resolution for irrigation customers The Productivity Commission has released its final report into Australia’s circular economy: unlocking the opportunities.  The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is inviting stakeholder feedback on the draft Australian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines. Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability Climate and long range forecast The BOM's Climate and Water Outlook is available here: Water storages, river flows and groundwater Obtain real time data on water storages, river flows and groundwater levels through Water NSW's Water Insights Portal. Sustainable biosolids management WSAA and ANZBP conceptualised the work to assess current and emerging options for biosolids management across Australia and New Zealand. This report provides an overview of the technical assessment, delivered in partnership with WSAA members and AtkinsRéalis. Efficiency standards for water use in data centres WSAA has released a new report on water use in data centres across Australia, outlining key approaches that will deliver efficient and sustainable water use in date centres over decades to come. Full report and media release here. Why Murray–Darling Basin management is entering a critical phase Lightning Ridge water security projects move into delivery phase Why the NSW cyber security strategy matters for water utilities Councils unite for $5.2M sewer upgrade $6.5m upgrade to future-proof Sewage Treatment Plant ‘aqua nullius’ myth still guides approach AI: demand for water cannot be an 'afterthought' Population growth and data centres push supply Half the world’s 100 largest cities in high water stress areas Fatberg likely birthed poo balls that closed Sydney beaches – and it can’t be cleared Sydney Water blames food outlets for illegally adding to fatberg. Restaurants disagree. More news: Latest WSAA submissions, including price reviews e-News Subscribe to the Water Directorate's free monthly e-News Click Here Hydrohub Under development. New and improved source of knowledge-based resources, including SOPs, training courses and publications. Click Here Discussion Cove Under development. New and improved space for getting technical assistance. Previously known as our Discussion Forum. Click Here Courses Access NSW AquaCard and NSW BrownCard, our online water and sewerage risk induction course for water industry staff and contractors. Click Here Offer Enquire about your 50% discount on WSAA codes. Click Here More Information Learn more about the Water Directorate, from our Mission and Vision to Members, Executive Committee, Strategic Plan and Constitution. Click Here 🔔 Water Directorate Annual Forum: Friday 30 October 2026 Location: Aerial Function Centre, University of Technology, Sydney Theme: Digital Transformation Pricing: early bird pricing coming soon 📅 Executive Committee Meeting Dates Meeting 160: Thursday 12 March 2026 Meeting 161: Thursday 14 May 2026 Meeting 162: Thursday 9 July 2026 📢Industry Partners LGNSW: EOIs to present at the 2026 LGNSW Water Management Conference are now open WaterAid: registrations for Winnovators Program 2026 close on 20 February 2026 Australian Water Association upcoming events and awards, including  Customer Experience Award and Water Industry Safety Excellence Award (closing 27 February 2026) Queensland Water Directorate upcoming events IPWEA training and events WIOA upcoming events Like what you see? Let us know who else might benefit from receiving our e-news. SUBSCRIBE MY COLLEGUES Associate Membership for trusted LWU partners Interested in becoming an Associate Member? LEARN MORE Copyright © 2025 NSW Water Directorate. All rights reserved. Water Directorate, 1 Coral Avenue, Tuncurry, New South Wales 2428, Australia, (02) 4217 7000 Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
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