The 2017 Metropolitan Water Plan will ensure there is enough water to meet the current and future needs of the people and environment of Greater Sydney.
There are four main outcomes of the plan:
- a water supply that is secure and affordable
- a water supply system that is resilient to stresses and shocks
- more liveable and resilient urban communities
- rivers downstream from dams that are healthy.
Under the new plan, an average of $20 million a year will be saved by using existing water supplies and delaying the need for investment in major infrastructure such as new dams.
The plan will also introduce environmental flows for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River from Warragamba Dam. This will improve the health of the river for native species, and improve fishing, swimming, and boating in Western Sydney.
Another feature is the new WaterSmart Cities program, which ensures water in the urban environment is managed in a way that keeps communities green and healthy.
Minister for Energy and Utilities Don Harwin said the plan shows the current supply can deliver enough drinking water for the next 10 or more years.
“Our water supply will remain affordable, safe and reliable,” Mr Harwin said.
“I am proud to say that under our government the people of Greater Sydney are experiencing the first ever water bill reduction. A typical Sydney Water customer is now saving nearly $100 a year on their water bill.”
