We administer the licensing of private water utilities in NSW under the Water Industry Competition Act 2006 (WIC Act). The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) is responsible for policy development and changes related the WIC Act.
The WIC Act seeks to encourage competition in relation to the supply of water and the provision of sewerage services and to facilitate the development of infrastructure for the production and reticulation of recycled water, and for other purposes.
A corporation (other than a public water utility) must obtain a licence to construct, maintain or operate any water industry infrastructure, to supply water (potable or recycled) or provide sewerage services by means of any water industry infrastructure. You can access more information about the licensing regime, exemptions and audits here.
NSW Health also provides information on water recycling.
Note: see important information regarding changes to the WIC Act.