Credit: Casey Schackow

The Emergency Relief for Securing Regional Water Supplies funded by the NSW Government is designed to help towns and villages maintain essential water services during extreme events such as prolonged drought or major water quality issues.

This program provides funding, technical support, and advice to assist regional local water utilities when emergency conditions place critical human water needs at risk.

Eligible organisations may receive financial support for:

• Water cartage, where it is the most cost-effective solution to maintain supply

• Bottled water, in exceptional circumstances

• Subsidies may cover a significant portion of eligible costs (generally up to 90%)

Funding may also be available for urgent works, including:

• Designing and constructing emergency water infrastructure

• Establishing temporary or alternative water sources

• Installing standpipes or connections to secure supply during system failure

Eligible applicants include:

• Local councils and County Councils providing water and sewerage services

• Water supply authorities

• Joint organisations recognised by the Office of Local Government

• Town water suppliers in unincorporated areas