Water for the Future

Policy and programs

National Water Quality Management Strategy

Murray River at the Gulf. Photo John Baker

Murray River at the Gulf.

Photo John Baker

The National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) has been developed coordinate a national approach to improving water quality in Australia's waterways. Development has progressed since 1992, the Australian Government working in cooperation with state and territory governments.

The NWQMS is part of the Council of Australian Governments' Water Reform Framework and is acknowledged in the National Water Initiative , the blueprint for water reform in Australia.

Participants in NWQMS are working to protect the nation's water resources by improving their quality, reducing pollutants and at the same time supporting the businesses, industry and communities that depend on water for their continued development.

The NWQMS has three major elements: policies, process and guidelines. An application of the NWQMS is through the development of Water Quality Improvement Plans.

Policies

The main policy objective of the NWQMS is to achieve sustainable use of the nation's water resources by protecting and enhancing their quality while maintaining economic and social development.

Process

The NWQMS process involves community and government development and implementation of a management plan for each catchment, aquifer, estuary, coastal water or other waterbody. This includes use of high-status national guidelines with local implementation.

National guidelines

There are currently 21 NWQMS guidelines for managing key elements of the water cycle.

The NWQMS guidelines cover:

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