NSW Government
Environment and Heritage

Water for the environment

Discover the vital role environmental water plays in improving the health of rivers, wetlands and floodplains across New South Wales.

A river red gum in Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park
A majestic river red gum in Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park.
Credit: Paul Childs/DCCEEW
Two little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) chicks with pale yellow and brown downy feathers are nestled together beside two white eggs. The scene is set within a natural environment of soft green foliage and blurred branches, indicating a nest hidden in Yanga National Park.
Little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) chicks and eggs in Yanga National Park.
Credit: Matt Herring/Murray Wildlife
About water for the environment

Learn more about the role of water that is managed specifically to improve the health of rivers, wetlands and floodplains.

A water body with vegetation on its shore
Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve Ramsar site.
Credit: Shane Ruming/DCCEEW
Catchments

Our interactive map shows how we are delivering water for the environment in your region.

A view of the Lachlan River in Kalyarr National Park
Lachlan River wends through Kalyarr National Park on the Hay Plain.
Credit: Jess Murphy/DCCEEW
Working with Aboriginal peoples

Planning water for the environment, in partnership with Aboriginal peoples, to heal Country.

A close up view of a Southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis)
Southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis).
Credit: David Hunter/DCCEEW
Planning and reporting

We prepare annual watering plans, outcomes reports and long-term water plans.

A Black-winged Stilt flying over the Mid Murray River, with numerous trees in the background.
Black winged stilt, Mid Murray River.
Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
We love our rivers

There are so many reasons to love our local rivers.

Children playing on the banks of the Edward River
Children playing on the banks of the Edward River.
Credit: N Childs/DPE
Education resources

Explore our education resources, fact sheets and videos and learn about water for the environment and how this water is managed and used.

Billy buttons (Craspedia) at Silver Pines, near Urana
Billy buttons (Craspedia) at Silver Pines, near Urana.
Credit: Emma Wilson/DPE
News

Stay up to date with water for the environment news.

An aerial photo of the Cudgegong River near Lawson Park in Mudgee. The image features a blue, cloudy sky, with abundant vegetation on both sides of the river. A dam is situated in the middle of the river, and mountains can be seen in the background.
Cudgegong River, near Lawson Park, Mudgee.
Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
Publications

All our published water for the environment research and publications.