Water

Clean, fresh water is essential to life, so we must use it wisely.

• Surface water makes up over 98% of all water on Earth
- 1.6% of the total water on Earth is below ground in aquifers
- 0.001% is in the air as clouds, mist, fog and rain.

• Water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface area.
- 97% of this is in oceans
- 2.4% is in glaciers and polar ice caps
- 0.6% in lakes and rivers.

Major river systems in the Central West

• Macquarie River
• Castlereagh River
• Cudgegong River
• Bogan River

Major water storage areas

• Burrendong Dam
• Windamere Dam

The Central West catchment is home to the Macquarie Marshes, one of the largest semi-permanent wetlands in south-eastern Australia. The Marshes are one of the most important places in NSW for bird breeding and contain a large River Red Gum population. Part of the Marshes is recognised across the world.

There are eight other wetlands in the region that are recognised across Australia.

Watch a PlaceStory about the Macquarie River and the Central West CMA's partnership with Riversmart:

For up to date legislation related to water management and actions please go to www.legislation.nsw.gov.au