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What we do
Our role and responsibility
Sydney Water's role and responsibility is broad. From the health of the city and its people to managing the environment and the health of our waterways, we help ensure the overall liveability of our great city. We supply water, wastewater, recycled water and some stormwater services to more than 5 million people in Greater Sydney and the Illawarra. But our value lies far beyond that.
Our story
We're lucky enough to live in one of the most magical places in the world. Watch our video to see more about the life force that we often take for granted.
Drinking water
Every day, we supply about 1.5 billion litres of safe drinking water to our customers.
We source water from a network of dams managed by WaterNSW, and most of our water comes from Lake Burragorang behind Warragamba Dam.
We can also receive water from the Shoalhaven catchment and Sydney Desalination Plant when the dams reach the levels set in the Metropolitan Water Plan.
Learn more about our water network.
We source about 80% of our drinking water from behind Warragamba Dam.
Using recycled water in the garden saves valuable drinking water.
Recycled water
Water recycling reduces demand on water supplies, leaving more water in our dams for drinking. It also reduces the amount of wastewater discharged to the environment.
We take water that has already been used in homes and businesses and put it through a multi-step treatment process, removing impurities so that it can be used again. Each day, we recycle about 100 million litres of water, treating it so it's safe for its intended use.
Learn more about recycling and reuse and our recycled water network.
Wastewater
We collect and treat about 1.5 billion litres of wastewater each day before reusing it or releasing it into rivers or the ocean. Inland plants treat wastewater to a high level so it can be released into rivers.
Three of our treatment plants are wet weather plants: Fairfield, Bellambi and Port Kembla. We only use these plants during major storms.
The biosolids we produce and capture in the treatment process are used in agriculture, composting and land rehabilitation.
Learn more about our wastewater network.
We monitor all our treatment plants to protect the environment.
Our work includes repairing and naturalising stormwater channels like Alexandria Canal.
Stormwater
Stormwater is rainwater that runs from roofs, roads and parks into stormwater drains. It then runs into creeks, the harbour and the ocean.
We provide stormwater services to about 634,530 properties mainly in south and south-west Sydney. We also manage flood-prone areas and trunk drainage at Rouse Hill. In the rest of Greater Sydney, we work with local councils and other agencies to manage the stormwater system.
Take a look at our stormwater catchment map to see if we manage your stormwater.
Learn more about our stormwater network.
Our strategy
We have an ambitious vision from which we've designed our strategy: Creating a better life with world-class water services.
Water is an essential part of daily life. It’s the way we use water that helps our city thrive and supports the productivity and prosperity of our economy. By delivering world-class water services, we can create a better life for our people, our business partners and our communities.
World-class water services for safe, clean drinking water, tree-lined streets, parks and green spaces, and access to safe, local waterways and beaches for recreation and fun. To achieve this, we're focusing on 4 strategic outcomes.
Our strategic outcomes
First choice of customers and partners
We deliver a world-class customer experience and collaborate with our current and future customers, communities, stakeholders and partners to deliver better outcomes.
High-performance culture
We make a positive impact, achieving together, we are customer-centric and innovative.
Thriving, liveable and sustainable cities
We deliver world-class products and services to our city and are champions for the environment, public health and resilience.
Successful and innovative business
We're socially responsible and sustain a positive return for our shareholders and the community.
Our Historical Research Archive is located in the former Boiler House at West Ryde.
Our history
We have a long history of serving Greater Sydney and we protect over 200 heritage-listed assets. If you'd like to know more, we have many resources available, including a Historical Research Archive in the former Boiler House at West Ryde. Our collection dates back to the beginning of the Board of Water Supply & Sewerage in 1888.
Learn more about our heritage conservation. If you have a question, simply email our archivist at archiverequests@sydneywater.com.au.
Regulatory requirements
Our Operating Licence sets out the standards and requirements we must meet as a water utility. The licence includes our Customer Contract (6MB). Learn more about our Operating Licence.