Drought Management Plan

Shoalhaven Water provides drinking water and sewer services to the community and, like all water utilities, is required to have a Drought Management Plan.

The plan sets out:

• When drought measures are triggered
• How water is sourced during drought
• What water restrictions apply at each stage

A new drought management plan was adopted in 2026, with a strong focus on helping residents make water saving a normal part of everyday life.

Building good water-use habits helps reduce demand, prepares the community for drought, and can delay the need for restrictions.

The Shoalhaven last experienced drought conditions in 2020. Current guidelines recommend water restrictions should be needed no more than once every 10 years on average, however the region has entered water restrictions nine times in the past 27 years.

We need your feedback to make sure the Drought Management Plan, Water-saving Guidelines and drought restrictions are clear, practical and support the community's needs.

Shoalhaven Water is running a weekly prize drawn at random for participants who complete our survey. For your chance to win a $100 voucher, fill the survey in by clicking here. T&C's apply, to read in-full please click here.

Entries open Wednesday 26 August and close Wednesday 7 October.