Protecting our water supply
Our catchments are a vital part of Canberra’s water network. The region’s raw water is sourced from the Cotter River reservoirs, Googong Reservoir and the Murrumbidgee River. We work hard to ensure these catchments, and the river systems, remain as healthy as possible, by:
- Coordinating with the ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) to minimise impact on the Cotter Catchment and Googong Reservoir.
- Supporting Cooma Waterwatch to monitor and improve water quality within the Murrumbidgee River and its tributaries.
- Educating our community on the value of a healthy catchment.
- Working closely with the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Network (UMCN) to identify, and prioritise, erosion hotspots. Together we progress natural resource management remediation efforts in our catchments. To find out more visit:
- Cotter Catchment ACWA Addendum Bushfire and Erosion Rise Assessment August 2020
- Cotter Catchment Actions for Clean Water Plan March 2020
- Googong Dam Catchment Actions for Clean Water Plan (2018)
- Upper Murrumbidgee Actions for Clean Water Plan (2012)
- Upper Murrumbidgee ACWA Site Review
- Upper Murrumbidgee Actions For Clean Water Priority Erosion Hotspots Update 2019
Water quality
Our water quality must comply with the Public Health (Drinking Water) Code of Practice 2007 (ACT) and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. To help accomplish this, we have a comprehensive, and routine, drinking water quality monitoring program observing our distribution network. To find out more, check out our Drinking Water Quality Report.
Conserving water
Our dams store water for the future. To be prepared for the worst, we need to use water responsibly. This is why Canberra has:
- Permanent water conservation measures, which exist year-round.
- Temporary water restrictions, which come into force when water levels are low.
How can I use my water responsibly? Check out our water saving tips to learn more!