We administer the licensing of private water utilities in NSW under the Water Industry Competition Act 2006 (WIC Act). The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is responsible for policy development and changes related the WIC Act.
The WIC Act:
- facilitates and regulates the water industry (excluding certain public water utilities)
- makes provision for the continuity of essential services provided by the industry
- establishes an access regime for significant water industry infrastructure and for other purposes.
A corporation or metropolitan council (other than a public water utility) must obtain approvals or licences to construct, maintain or operate water industry infrastructure to which the WIC Act applies, or to sell water (potable, non-potable or recycled) or sewerage services by means of a regulated scheme. You can access more information about the approval and licensing regime, exemptions and audits here.
NSW Health also provides information on water recycling.
See important information regarding changes to the Water Industry Competition Act on 1 March 2024.