Water resources during drought

Available water resources in NSW

Area	Title
Drought information and reports	WaterNSW provides up to date information and data on relevant water storage and drought information for Greater Sydney and Regional NSW. Critical valley updates and valley storage levels NSW dam levels Early Warning Network - Register to receive alerts for any NSW dam in relation to water supply, dam safety, flood alerts, fish river supply interruptions etc Regional NSW drought report - released monthly The Real-time data website offers information and data on: NSW river heights Streamflow Dam and reservoir level and volumes Groundwater bores Meteorology and rainfall Water Availability report - released weekly on rural storages and operations on a valley basis Greater Sydney drought report - released weekly, these reports are thorough and timely updates on NSW’s current water situation Visit the Bureau of Meteorology to look up town water water restrictions in place across NSW.
Drought update and water allocation	Drought update - information on drought stages, system temporary water restrictions, the work of the Critical Water Advisory Panels and links to the following pages on water allocations: Drought and Water Quality Information - series of information sheets, including options for accessing alternative supplies during drought Water in NSW Allocations - information on how water is allocated for all water sources, including regulated rivers, groundwater and unregulated rivers. Water Allocation Statements - provide valuable information on how much water is available, including during drought. Subscribe to Water Allocation Statements - available for each regulated valley

Area

Title

Drought information and reports

WaterNSW provides up to date information and data on relevant water storage and drought information for Greater Sydney and Regional NSW.

Critical valley updates and valley storage levels
NSW dam levels
Early Warning Network - Register to receive alerts for any NSW dam in relation to water supply, dam safety, flood alerts, fish river supply interruptions etc
Regional NSW drought report - released monthly
The Real-time data website offers information and data on:
- NSW river heights
- Streamflow
- Dam and reservoir level and volumes
- Groundwater bores
- Meteorology and rainfall
Water Availability report - released weekly on rural storages and operations on a valley basis
Greater Sydney drought report - released weekly, these reports are thorough and timely updates on NSW’s current water situation

Visit the Bureau of Meteorology to look up town water water restrictions in place across NSW.

Drought update and water allocation

Drought update - information on drought stages, system temporary water restrictions, the work of the Critical Water Advisory Panels and links to the following pages on water allocations:
- Drought and Water Quality Information - series of information sheets, including options for accessing alternative supplies during drought
- Water in NSW Allocations - information on how water is allocated for all water sources, including regulated rivers, groundwater and unregulated rivers.
- Water Allocation Statements - provide valuable information on how much water is available, including during drought.
- Subscribe to Water Allocation Statements - available for each regulated valley

Farm water quality - for stock and domestic use

Area	Title
Water quality alerts	The local water utility or council provides alerts and information on the safety and suitability of drinking water and where water restrictions apply. For information on how boiled water alerts are issued, visit NSW Health to read the guidelines
Farm water quality for drinking	For advice on drinking water quality call 1300 066 055 and ask to speak with an Environmental Health Officer in your local Public Health Unit. Information on testing and treating water for stock and domestic use Visit NSW Health for recommendations, guidelines, protocols and fact sheets: Water Collected Privately - NSW Health provides detailed information on drinking water quality. Surface water - Due to the potential for contamination, surface water is not recommended as a source of drinking water unless filtered and disinfected. Unless drinking water quality can be assured through disinfection and routine testing, surface water should only be utilised for purposes other than drinking such as toilet flushing, garden watering and irrigation. Treatment may still be necessary for such non-drinking uses. Groundwater poses less of a risk but can still be contaminated with disease causing microorganisms, heavy metals, other chemicals and radioactivity. Your groundwater should undergo comprehensive water quality testing as part of a risk assessment (including considering the aquifer condition) to ensure suitability for drinking water purposes. Treatment systems are available for groundwater. Rainwater - A properly maintained rainwater tank can provide good quality drinking water. Providing the rainwater is clear, has little taste or smell and is from a well maintained water catchment system it is probably safe and unlikely to cause any illness for most users. Proper maintenance of the tank, catchment system, roof, gutters and inlet is essential to ensure a safe supply of water. Treatment systems are available for rainwater. NSW Health also has information on rainwater and bushfires and fire retardants.
Water quality testing	How do I collect a water quality sample and where do I send it? Water for stock and irrigation can be tested at the Wollongbar Primary Industries Laboratories. Charges apply. Note: Water sampling kits are for the testing of dam, creek, river, bore, irrigation and tank water Order a sample kit online - they will be posted to your nominated address or can picked up from your local DPI or Local Land Services office. Water Testing Service Brochure (PDF, 1409.73 KB) Water Kit Submission (PDF, 235.03 KB) Water Kit Sampling (PDF, 176.42 KB) Water Micro Sampling (PDF, 328.69 KB) Staff are available to answer your questions about the tests and interpreting the results. Call 02 6626 1103 or email wollongbar.csu@dpi.nsw.gov.au NSW Health provides information on water testing for any business or facility that supplies drinking water from an independent water source (not town water), to the public or employees. The NSW Health Forensic and Analytical Science Services Laboratory can test drinking water. Charges apply. Brochure Water Testing Kit Collecting a Microbiology Sample Collecting a Chemistry Sample Sample Submission Form Interpretation of Results OR Other accredited laboratories are available. Charges apply. ALS Global National Measurement Institute Sydney Water Monitoring Services OR Contact your Local Land Services office for details of water testing facilities near you.
Interpreting water quality tests	For questions on drinking water quality and interpretation of drinking water test results call Environmental Health Officer in your local Public Health Unit - 1300 066 055 NSW DPI staff at Wollongbar Laboratories - (02) 6626 1103 or email wollongbar.csu@dpi.nsw.gov.au General information can be found in the following Primefact: Primefact 1344 - Interpreting water quality test results - Agriculture NSW Water Unit produced this summary on interpreting the results of water quality tests for: pH Alkalinity Hardness SI EC SAR Chloride
Treatment options	How do I identify and correct water quality issues? Farm water comes from a number of different sources and so its quality varies. Water sources include dams, bores, wells, rivers, town water, channels and recycled water. Water may be of an unsuitable quality for its intended use. It is important to identify and correct water quality problems that may affect on-farm use and productivity. For more information on household water supplies, see the section above titled Farm Water Quality for Drinking to link to NSW Health guidance. Primefact 1337 - Farm water quality and treatment Knowing your water quality Water quality issues Treatment Hardness Effect on pipelines, irrigation and farm equipment Corrosion Salinity Effects of soil type on salinity Primefact 1338 - Desalination of Bore Water Sometimes bore water is too high in salts, making it unusable for use either in the house or garden, or for their stock to consume. Desalination of this water is an option which some producers to consider. Topics include: What is desalination? What is ‘reverse osmosis’? Water quality Stock water quality Domestic water quality Desalination units Running Costs Waste disposal
Water quality for livestock	Primefact 326 - Water requirements for sheep and cattle water quality salinity acidity or alkalinity (pH) toxic elements and compounds algae growth or bloom environmental factors animal factors Primefact 269 - Stocktaking water supply for livestock Tips for understanding the suitability, reliability, quality and quantity of water that is “fit for purpose”: Water stocktake: quantity Estimating dam capacity Water stocktake: quality Water quality testing Water salinity Blue green algae Water stocktake: demand Water stocktake: reliability Can supply meet demand? Primefact 533 - Water for Livestock: Interpreting water quality tests When considering whether a water source is suitable for livestock, it is essential to test pH, salinity, and chloride levels. Symptoms of salt poisoning Additional water testing services Salt in pasture and feed, and Interpreting results from the water sampling kit.
Water quality for irrigation	Primefact 1345 - Salinity Tolerance in Irrigated Crops Different crops tolerate different levels of salinity in irrigation water. The tolerance of plants to salinity is mainly influenced by: climate, particularly lack of rainfall soil types and drainage characteristics salt accumulation irrigation method and management stage of plant growth Topics include: Measuring salinity in water References for these values
Blue-green algae	General Blue Green Algae Information Algal blooms can cause waters to be unsafe for all users of water including agriculture, irrigation and recreation. Where do I find updates on algal bloom outbreaks? During drought, water quality issues are more commonplace, and in surface water supplies algal blooms can occur, all of which have the potential to be harmful. WaterNSW provides up-to-date information on algal blooms in NSW. This site includes tips for identifying algae, key contacts for more information, impacts of blue-green algal blooms, and a media release where a red alert is in place. Blue Green Algae Testing Diagnosis is based on the visible presence of an algal bloom in animals’ drinking water confirmed by microscopic examination for blue green algae. To arrange a test for Blue Green Algae Identification, call the NSW DPI Laboratory Services on 1800 675 623 (option 1) Primefact 1280 - Irrigating with Blue Green Algae affected water Any river water or farm dam used to irrigate crops are vulnerable to blue-green algal (BGA) blooms and may become contaminated. This Primefact is designed to assist irrigators who may irrigate with BGA-contaminated water. Topics include: What are blue-green algae? Does my farm dam or river contain blue-green algae? How can BGA-contaminated water affect health? How can BGA-contaminated irrigation water affect plants? Irrigating crops with BGA-contaminated water Cautions for spray and micro systems

Farm water supply - for stock and domestic use

Area	Title
Water restriction alerts	Water restrictions are issued through local council or the local water utility Search water restrictions in your local area through the Bureau of Meteorology
Groundwater supply	How do I gain access to groundwater supplies? You must apply for a water supply work approval to construct a water bore, well or spear point for domestic and stock purposes. To take water for production purposes (including for intensive livestock) you will also need to purchase a water access licence or allocation from an existing licence holder. Constructing a bore: Learn about obtaining a licence and where and how to drill a bore. Primefact 1338 - Desalination of bore water: learn when this is a feasible option for stock and domestic water.
Household water supply	Water filling stations Check with your local Council for water filling stations in your area. Read the FAQs on Household water supply for guidelines for collecting water for domestic and stock use, guidelines for professional water caters and links to known participating councils. What do I do if my surface and groundwater supply dries up? If the stock and domestic water on your property dries up or is of insufficient quality for its intended purpose, access to an alternative water source might be necessary. Emergency standpipes and water filling stations are located across NSW and are a practical alternative for accessing water for domestic and stock purposes. These sites are managed by local councils or water utilities and are maintained to meet bulk water carting requirements. Conditions of use and access vary across council regions. Your local shire council or water utility can help establish: if water is available locally where water is and how much is available what approvals you need.
Livestock water supply	What do I do if I have livestock and my surface and groundwater supply dries up? Maintaining stock water supplies is the landholder’s responsibility. Strong penalties apply under Animal Welfare legislation for stock owners who fail to provide adequate water. Landholders are urged to prepare for diminished water with measures such as destocking or investment in water infrastructure on-farm. An information sheet Water Access and Licensing During Drought (PDF, 264 KB) on options is available. Your bore may be too shallow and you may need to drill a deeper bore - go to WaterNSW’s website. If you wish to construct a bore for domestic and stock purposes, production purposes and/or trade in groundwater for intensive livestock production purposes, go to WaterNSW’s website. Emergency standpipes and water filling stations are located across NSW and are an alternative for accessing water for domestic and stock purposes. These sites are managed by local councils or water utilities and are maintained to meet bulk water carting requirements. Conditions of use and access vary across council regions. Your local shire council or water utility can help establish: if water is available locally where water is and how much is available what approvals you need.
Coastal Farmers	Coastal Farmers - act now to make a water plan Hot, dry conditions are seeing on farm storages, rivers and streams drying up faster than anticipated, so water supply and water quality need to be monitored continuously. Those producers who traditionally rely on coastal streams or have access to town water supplies are strongly advised to consider alternative options for supply. Town water supplies across the whole state are already under significant pressure, with a number of coastal towns already on level four restrictions. These restrictions are likely to escalate over summer as existing dams and streams dry up. Any farmer or landholder who relies on pumping from coastal and inland streams and rivers will need to look at securing alternate water supplies or making necessary business decisions, as these streams are likely to be reduced or cease to flow due to the heatwave conditions. What to do: Farmers and landholders who are reliant on town water supplies, or who would normally consider town supplies as an option, should check with their local water utility to discuss their circumstances and options, as well as any supply restrictions. Farmers whose plans involve carting water should contact water carters now to determine waiting times and delivery capacity, especially with the Christmas and holiday season approaching. Farmers considering new bores should contact WaterNSW and drilling contractors to understand the process and timeframes for approval, as well as the waiting time for drilling contractors. Visit Constructing a bore (www.waternsw.com.au) for more information. Check your council’s water restrictions policies, especially if you are planning to cart from a town water supply. Agricultural use is often included in restrictions on use even if it is not specifically stated. Don’t assume that your fall back plan will work. Test it. This should include plans to move animals and livestock off the property in the event that you do run out of water. If animal welfare becomes a problem contact the Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 to discuss options or visit Drought response (www.lls.nsw.gov.au) for more information. Landholders affected by bush fires can call the Agriculture and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647 to discuss their emergency fodder and water needs. The Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area will be maintaining essential services and local staff will remain on standby to assist with any animal assessment, emergency water or fodder needs. Staff will prioritise the most urgent cases where there is an imminent and urgent risk to animal survival or animal welfare. For more information, including for links to emergency assistance, and information about water availability and stock water visit Emergency contacts (www.lls.nsw.gov.au).
	Available Assistance: The NSW Government provides information on water supply and testing on Drought Hub and a range of packages that assist farmers to prepare for and manage dry conditions: Drought Transport Subsidy can be applied for the cost of transporting fodder, water to a property for stock or domestic use, stock to and from agistment, and stock to sale or slaughter. Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme can be applied to new purchases and installation of pipes, water storages and water pumps, de-silting dams, and associated power supplies such as generators. Farm Innovation Fund is a loan scheme for capital works up to a value of $250K for infrastructure works (eg sheds, silos, water storage) to prepare for dry conditions, to build resilience and improve on-farm efficiency. Drought Assistance Fund offers a one-off $50,000 interest-free loan to transport stock, fodder and water, genetic banking of breeding herds and installing on-farm fodder and water infrastructure. The loans term is seven years and there are no repayments required in the first two years

Fish during dry times

Area	Title
Fish friendly farming	NSW DPI provides a wide range of information to support farmers operating on or near NSW waterways. Your farming business can also be fish friendly NSW DPI encourages “fish friendly farming”. Click on the link to see the ways that farmers and land managers can improve fish populations in their creeks and wetlands and at the same time improve on-farm productivity. Living and working on the banks of a waterway If you live or undertake works on the banks of a waterway, NSW DPI has released two new brochures to help you comply with the laws aimed at protecting our native fish and their habitat.
Native Fish Drought Response	View information on actions undertaken to assist native fish through the drought
Fish kills	NSW DPI monitors and managing the response to fish kills in any NSW waterway. Protocols are in place for reporting and responding to a fish kill incident.

Area

Title

Fish friendly farming

NSW DPI provides a wide range of information to support farmers operating on or near NSW waterways.

Your farming business can also be fish friendly
NSW DPI encourages “fish friendly farming”. Click on the link to see the ways that farmers and land managers can improve fish populations in their creeks and wetlands and at the same time improve on-farm productivity.

Living and working on the banks of a waterway
If you live or undertake works on the banks of a waterway, NSW DPI has released two new brochures to help you comply with the laws aimed at protecting our native fish and their habitat.

Native Fish Drought Response

View information on actions undertaken to assist native fish through the drought

Fish kills

NSW DPI monitors and managing the response to fish kills in any NSW waterway.

Protocols are in place for reporting and responding to a fish kill incident.

Policies and plans

Area	Title
Extreme events	Extreme Events Policy - Extreme events are defined under the NSW Water Management Act 2000 and the Commonwealth Water Act 2007. They are: prolonged dry periods, water quality events that risk satisfying local uses and values, or any other event which has led to a management plan being suspended in the past 50 years.
Water resource plans	Water resource plans are a key requirement of the Commonwealth Basin Plan 2012.

Drought assistance

Area	Title
Drought Hub	View the available assistance for primary producers in NSW impacted by the drought conditions. A number of NSW DPI offices around NSW are available to assist people accessing assistance. Visit the Assistance Near You map on drought hub to search for an office near you.
Available assistance specifically for water	Animal Welfare Transport Subsidy A subsidy of 50% of eligible costs for the permanent transport of stock off a farm which is facing financial hardship and where livestock are at fat score 2 or below (dairy cattle 3 or below), to a maximum of $20,000 per financial year. Domestic Water Carting Rebate A rebate of $2,000 will be provided to assist eligible landholders with the costs of carting water or installing associated infrastructure to support domestic water supplies on dry regulated rivers. Drought Assistance Fund A one-off $50,000 interest-free loan to transport stock, fodder and water, genetic banking of breeding herds and installing on-farm fodder and water infrastructure. The loans term is seven years and there are no repayments required in the first two years. Drought Transport Subsidy The NSW Government’s transport subsidy can be applied to the cost of transporting fodder, water to a property for stock or household (domestic) use, stock to and from agistment, and stock to sale or slaughter. For applications received from 1 July 2019 the subsidy has expanded to include transporting of farm chemicals, fertiliser and seed to farms. Visit RAA to see the eligibility criteria and guidelines for this assistance. Emergency relief for regional town water supplies Emergency Relief for Regional Town Water Supplies is available to Local Water Utilities towards the cost of water carting or water supply works during periods of emergency. Local Water Utilities can contact the department for financial and technical assistance. Farm Innovation Fund A loan scheme for capital works up to a value of $1,000,000 for infrastructure works (eg sheds, silos, water storage) to prepare for dry conditions, to build resilience and improve on-farm efficiency. On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate The Australian and NSW Governments are offering a rebate to drought affected farmers who invest in urgently-needed on-farm water infrastructure to improve productivity and resilience for horticultural farmers with permanent plantings, or that address animal welfare needs. Farmers will be able to access a 25% rebate up to $25,000 on new purchases and installation costs of water infrastructure projects on-farm across NSW to help them in the current drought and be better prepared for future dry conditions. The On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate scheme can be applied to new purchases and installation of pipes, water storages and water pumps, de-silting dams, and associated power supplies such as generators. Water Licences An automatic waiver of up to $4000 to all general licence holders (and in rural and regional NSW across surface and groundwater systems, and to customers of Irrigation Corporation Districts (ICDs) for fixed water charges. For the 2019/20 year the waiver of fixed water charges has been extended to all domestic and stock and high security licence holders along the NSW Border Rivers, Lower Namoi, Upper Namoi, Peel, Macquarie and Lower Darling regulated rivers.

Area

Title

Drought Hub

View the available assistance for primary producers in NSW impacted by the drought conditions.

A number of NSW DPI offices around NSW are available to assist people accessing assistance. Visit the Assistance Near You map on drought hub to search for an office near you.

Available assistance specifically for water

Animal Welfare Transport Subsidy

A subsidy of 50% of eligible costs for the permanent transport of stock off a farm which is facing financial hardship and where livestock are at fat score 2 or below (dairy cattle 3 or below), to a maximum of $20,000 per financial year.

Domestic Water Carting Rebate

A rebate of $2,000 will be provided to assist eligible landholders with the costs of carting water or installing associated infrastructure to support domestic water supplies on dry regulated rivers.

Drought Assistance Fund
A one-off $50,000 interest-free loan to transport stock, fodder and water, genetic banking of breeding herds and installing on-farm fodder and water infrastructure. The loans term is seven years and there are no repayments required in the first two years.

Drought Transport Subsidy
The NSW Government’s transport subsidy can be applied to the cost of transporting fodder, water to a property for stock or household (domestic) use, stock to and from agistment, and stock to sale or slaughter. For applications received from 1 July 2019 the subsidy has expanded to include transporting of farm chemicals, fertiliser and seed to farms.

Visit RAA to see the eligibility criteria and guidelines for this assistance.

Emergency relief for regional town water supplies
Emergency Relief for Regional Town Water Supplies is available to Local Water Utilities towards the cost of water carting or water supply works during periods of emergency.

Local Water Utilities can contact the department for financial and technical assistance.

Farm Innovation Fund
A loan scheme for capital works up to a value of $1,000,000 for infrastructure works (eg sheds, silos, water storage) to prepare for dry conditions, to build resilience and improve on-farm efficiency.

On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate
The Australian and NSW Governments are offering a rebate to drought affected farmers who invest in urgently-needed on-farm water infrastructure to improve productivity and resilience for horticultural farmers with permanent plantings, or that address animal welfare needs. Farmers will be able to access a 25% rebate up to $25,000 on new purchases and installation costs of water infrastructure projects on-farm across NSW to help them in the current drought and be better prepared for future dry conditions.

The On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate scheme can be applied to new purchases and installation of pipes, water storages and water pumps, de-silting dams, and associated power supplies such as generators.

Water Licences
An automatic waiver of up to $4000 to all general licence holders (and in rural and regional NSW across surface and groundwater systems, and to customers of Irrigation Corporation Districts (ICDs) for fixed water charges.

For the 2019/20 year the waiver of fixed water charges has been extended to all domestic and stock and high security licence holders along the NSW Border Rivers, Lower Namoi, Upper Namoi, Peel, Macquarie and Lower Darling regulated rivers.