Water Quality
Drinking water and water that comes into contact with people should be safe to use. Water also needs to be available in sufficient quantity so that it promotes good health and hygiene.
We use water in many ways and NSW Health is involved in developing various standards for water quality for these different purposes:
- Drinking water quality - we are involved in drinking water quality monitoring programs to ensure the availability and adequate supply of water for drinking, food preparation and personal hygiene.
- recreational water quality where lakes, dams, rivers, streams and beaches/ocean may be used for recreational purposes.
- Swimming pools and spa pools water quality - we provide guidelines to control the public health risk associated with public swimming and spa pools.
- Household water quality - we provide guidelines and accreditation for wastewater and sewage to safely reuse wastewater for toilet flushing, clothes washing, general household cleaning, fire fighting, garden watering and car washing.
Review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sydney Water Corporation and NSW Ministry of Health
Invitation for public comment on draft revised MoU
Section 35 of the Sydney Water Act 1994 and Sydney Water’s Operating Licence require a MoU between Sydney Water Corporation and the Ministry of Health. The MoU provides the foundation for a co-operative relationship within the context of each organisation’s statutory and other responsibilities.
The MoU is undergoing a review following the recent changes to Sydney Water’s Operating Licence.
Download the draft revised Memorandum of Understanding.
Submissions are invited on the draft revised MoU. The closing date for submissions is March 2, 2012.
Submissions may be forwarded to:
Sydney Water Corporation and NSW Ministry of Health MoU Review
Water Unit, Environmental Health Branch
NSW Health
PO Box 798
GLADESVILLE NSW 2111
By email: waterqual@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
By fax: (02) 9816 0377
For further information, contact the NSW Health Water Unit at (02) 9816 0589.