A secure and safe supply of drinking water is fundamental to public health. The NSW Government has endorsed the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011 (published by the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council). The guidelines provide a solid foundation for assessing drinking water quality, by specifying health-based and aesthetic criteria as well as the philosophy of a "multiple barrier approach" from catchment to tap, so to ensure safety of the water.
Drinking water quality in NSW is managed to protect public health. For information on how drinking water quality is monitored and reported, and details about drinking water quality incidents, see Drinking water quality and incidents.
For information on the requirements for Water Suppliers, including Water Utilities, Water Carters and Private Suppliers, see Drinking water suppliers.
Some small towns have water supplied to all the houses that has not been treated, is not monitored and may not meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. These supplies are described as non-potable, which means 'not for drinking'. People living in, renting or visiting these towns need to be informed about the risks from the water supply. For information see Non-potable supplies.
Code of Practice for the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies