This dataset contains best endeavours aggregation and depiction of in-force Water Sharing Plans (WSP) across NSW. The data includes both water sources and management zones (where applicable), for Groundwater Sources, Unregulated River Sources, Regulated water sources and Management Zones (or a combination of these). Water sharing plans are legally binding plans made under the Water Management Act 2000.

The boundaries of these water sources and management zones are used to define areas in which specific management rules apply. As such, this data may be used to understand which water sharing plan rules apply to a specific location. The plans are in place for 10 years but may be amended within this time. This dataset is intended to be updated to include relevant updates as water sharing plans commence or are amended.

Lineage:

The lineage statement has been added to the metadata as at 10/02/2026.

Groundwater WSPs:

10th February 2026: Data includes current WSPs as at February 2026

Regulated WSPs:

October 4th 2024: NSW Border Rivers Regulated River Water Source 2021 - amended 04/10/2024 (add back Severn River downstream of Pindari Dam)
February 2nd, 2025: correction only. Make correction to location of junction between Richmond Regulated Zones 1 & 2 - it had been correct in the 2023 data release.
15th August 2025: Belubula Regulated River Water Source 2025 - commenced 15/08/2025
28th November 2025: Hunter Regulated River Water Source 2016 - amendment (gazetted change of name of Management Zone 1 28/11/2025)
12th December 2025: Regulated rivers data refers to specific exclusions of Murrumbidgee Unregulated River Water Sources 2025 - updated for new Unregulated River Water Sources 2025 - no change to maps.
10th February 2026: Data includes current WSPs as at February 2026

Unregulated WSPs:

Murrumbidgee Unregulated River Water Sources 2025 - commenced 12/12/2025
Plan numbers of plan maps updated for Bega River Area Regulated, Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2024; Greater Metropolitan Region Unregulated River Water Sources 2023; and Towamba River Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2023
10th February 2026: Data includes current WSPs as at February 2026
4th March 2026: Data updated to include Barwon-Darling Unregulated River Water Source 2026 - commenced 27/02/2026
4th March 2026: Data updated to include Lachlan Unregulated River Water Sources 2026 - commenced 27/02/2026
2nd April 2026: Data updated to include Gwydir Unregulated River Water Sources 2026 - commenced 02/04/2026
2nd April 2026: Data updated to include Macquarie/Wambuul Bogan Unregulated Rivers Water Sources 2026 - commenced 02/04/2026
2nd April 2026: Data updated to include Namoi and Peel Unregulated Rivers Water Sources 2026 - commenced 02/04/2026