Water Supply

Australia is one of the driest continents on the planet. Long dry spells and devastating droughts are common.

In 2006-07 the Central Coast was in the grip of the worst drought on record with more than 15 years of below average rainfall and streamflows.

As a result ‘Improving the security of water supply’ is a key recommendation in the Community Strategic Plan.

The water supply system on the Central Coast is managed by the Gosford/Wyong Councils’ Water Authority. WaterPlan 2050 was developed and adopted by both councils and sets out the long term strategy to secure and sustain the water supply. View pdf format WaterPlan 2050 adopted (3.37 MB).

WaterPlan 2050 identified three key action areas including:

  • Enhancing the existing water supply system
  • Using water efficiently
  • Accessing additional sources of water.

The plan was formally adopted in mid 2007 and implementation of the strategy is underway. See the Gosford/Wyong Councils’ Water Authority website for more information on projects and achievements to date.

Gosford/Wyong Councils' Water Authority

The Gosford/Wyong Councils’ Water Authority was created in the late 1970s to coordinate the delivery of drinking water to Central Coast residents.

The Gosford/Wyong Councils’ Water Authority is funded by the councils who also share  costs and maintenance of water supply headworks infrastructure such as dams and pumping stations.

The Gosford/Wyong Councils’ Water Authority is not a decision making body but makes operational and strategic recommendations to the Councils for adoption.

Local water supply infrastructure such as the water mains is managed by each individual council in their respective local government area.

The two councils and the NSW State Government are currently working on establishing a new body, the Central Coast Water Corporation. This is designed to improve efficiency and accountability of the water supply system. 

More information

Visit Gosford/Wyong Councils’ Water Authority website or call (02) 4350 5555 for information about water supply on the Central Coast.