FAQs

Shoalhaven Water has updated its Drought Management Plan to: 

These changes are designed to make our water supply more reliable and reduce the need for water restrictions. 

Many visitors to the Shoalhaven come from Sydney and are already familiar with Sydney Water's water saving measures. 

Aligning our approach helps reduce confusion, creates consistency across regions, and reflects established water industry practices used throughout NSW. 

Yes. 

The proposed changes are based on lessons learned from the 2017-2020 drought and the 2019-20 bushfires, as well as risk assessments and water security studies undertaken by Shoalhaven Water. 

The proposal has also been developed in consultation with WaterNSW, the manager of Tallowa Dam. 

Water saving guidelines encourage everyone to use water wisely every day, not just during droughts. 

These guidelines are not water restrictions. They are practical measures that help reduce unnecessary water use and protect our water resources for the future. 

Many water utilities across NSW, including Sydney Water, already have similar measures in place. 

No. 

Permanent water saving guidelines are everyday water efficiency practices that apply year-round. 

Water restrictions are only introduced during extended dry periods when water supplies need additional protection. 

Previous restrictions were linked to water levels in Bamarang Dam. 

Restrictions will instead be based on flows in the Shoalhaven River. This approach better reflects the health of the region's overall water supply system and aligns with how water is managed through our agreement with WaterNSW. 

It also provides a more consistent and transparent approach for the community. 

Water restrictions will be triggered when flows in the Shoalhaven River remain below 90 megalitres per day (ML/day) for 90 consecutive days. 

Restriction levels will be introduced progressively if low river flows continue: 

This staged approach allows the community more time to adapt as drought conditions worsen. 

Tallowa Dam is a major water source managed by Water NSW. 

Under the proposed approach, water can be released from Tallowa Dam earlier when needed, helping maintain local water reserves and reducing the risk of shortages during prolonged dry periods. 

Water NSW has formally agreed to the proposed changes. 

Previous operating practices required local storages to be drawn down to low levels before additional water was requested from Tallowa Dam. 

Experience from the most recent drought and bushfires showed this approach can increase risk by reducing emergency water reserves if major infrastructure fails or emergency events occur. 

Keeping local dams fuller provides a stronger safety buffer for the community. 

The updated plan changes how Shoalhaven Water accesses water during dry periods. 

Instead of waiting until local storages are significantly depleted, Shoalhaven Water will request water from Tallowa Dam earlier, helping to keep local dams such as Bamarang and Danjera close to full. 

This provides additional backup water supplies and increases the region's resilience during droughts, emergencies and natural disasters. 

Yes. 

The new approach is designed to improve Shoalhaven's overall water security and reduce the frequency of water restrictions. 

Historically, the Shoalhaven has entered water restrictions more frequently than recommended industry guidelines. The proposed changes help address this by making better use of available regional water resources. 

Maintaining higher water levels in Bamarang and Danjera dams provides important backup water supplies. 

During bushfires or other emergencies, these stored reserves can help ensure there is sufficient water available for community needs, firefighting operations and emergency response activities. 

No. 

The proposed changes relate to how and when water is sourced and stored. Drinking water will continue to be treated and managed in accordance with all required safety and quality standards. 

No additional costs are expected from obtaining water through the revised arrangements with WaterNSW. 

In fact, maintaining higher water levels in local storages is expected to reduce pumping requirements, lowering electricity consumption and potentially reducing operational costs.