NSW Government
Environment and Heritage

Water quality

This section includes tools for water quality managers to protect public health, support the economy and maintain a rich ecosystem.

Canoeing, Yanga Lake
Two canoers on Yanga Lake in south-western New South Wales.
Credit: Ain Raadik/DCCEEW
Biofilm on water plants
Biofilm on water plants.
About water quality

Water quality determines the condition or health of waterways, such as our rivers, wetlands and coastal waters.

Stormwater litter traps catch stormwater pollution before it enters waterways
Greig Carroll/EPA .
Credit: Greig Carroll/EPA
Protecting and managing water quality

We help protect the health of our waterways by supporting water quality managers to improve water quality.

Staff test water in a boat on the Hunter River
Staff testing water on the Hunter River.
Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
Monitoring and reporting on water quality

We conduct health assessments of waterways and work with local councils and other agencies to monitor water quality.

Three people with hats on outside with bush behind and scientific equipment on table infront doing sampling work.
Scientists sampling in the field.
Credit: OEH
Research

Our collaborative water quality research programs help us better understand and manage waterway health.

Macquarie River, Dubbo
Macquarie River, Dubbo.
Credit: Tim Hosking
Publications

Search our list of publications on water quality, waterway health and related areas.