Securing the Future of Greater Sydney’s Water Supply
The NSW Governments’ Greater Sydney Water Strategy provided a very tangible example of how changing rainfall patterns increase risks to water security, identifying that during our most recent drought (2017- 2020) ,storage levels dropped by 50% of full dam capacity in two and a half years, a much faster rate of depletion than in previous droughts.
Changing climate for Greater Sydney is impacting rainfall, making drought more likely. The NSW Governments’ Greater Sydney Water Strategy provided a very tangible example of how changing rainfall patterns increase risks to water security, identifying that during our most recent drought (2017- 2020) ,storage levels dropped by 50% of full dam capacity in two and a half years, a much faster rate of depletion than in previous droughts.
Sydney’s ongoing population growth, climate volatility, and new water demands such as new data centres, mean that robust investment in water infrastructure essential. Delaying major capital programs or scaling down investments in core assets to reduce short-term price impacts would impose unacceptable long-term risks on communities, ecosystems, and the economy.
Sustained capital and operational funding is needed to meet future population needs, maintain service reliability, and fulfil environmental commitments. This includes investment in recycled water networks, stormwater and wastewater reuse, maintenance of ageing infrastructure, and flood mitigation works such as new trunk drains and system upgrades that align with broader resilience and circular economy goals. Pricing must reflect the true cost of these essential services.
The role for purified recycled water
Citizens in cities around the world safely drinking purified recycled water include Singaporeans, residents of Orange County California, and closer to home, communities in Perth, Australia. In fact, there are 35 cities in the world, where purified recycled water contributes to the drinking water supply.
Purified recycled water is recycled water that is further treated to ensure that it is safe for human consumption. Stringent water quality assurance programs need to be in place before water is provided to consumers.
The NSW Government’s aspiration is captured in the Recycled Water Roadmap, and this area is one more action will be needed to meet NSW’s vision that:
- utilities will consider recycled water equally with other supply and demand options
- increased delivery of recycled water solutions will improve diversity, resilience and environmental water quality
- communities will understand water recycling options and engage with utilities in the conversation on purified recycled water for drinking.
To ensure a resilient, reliable and rainfall-independent source for the future, Sydney Water notes that it is exploring PRW as a key part of their strategy for the region, identifying that PRW has the potential to provide as much as 25% of Greater Sydney’s water needs by 2056. Sydney Water hosts tours at their PRW Discovery Centre at Quakers Hill near Blacktown to give Sydney residents and tour groups the opportunity to see how purified recycled water treatment technology works.
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