Water used to keep our rivers healthy is known as ‘water for the environment’
Rivers and wetlands in the Murray Darling Basin have been changed to provide water for towns, industry and food production.
With runoff from rainfall now captured in dams or extracted for human use, the seasonal flow of water that plants and animals need to survive has been interrupted.
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder delivers water for the environment when and where plants and animals need it most. It is used to help rivers flow, keep native plants healthy, and support feeding and breeding of native animals, birds, fish and frogs.
This is critical to keeping rivers healthy, so they can continue to sustain healthy communities.
Water Management Plan 2023-24
Find out more about our annual planning process and what we aim to achieve with water for the environment in our 2023-24 Water Management Plan.
The CEWH’s Approach to partnering with First Nations people
The CEWH is committed to partnering and working meaningfully with First Nations people in the planning, delivery, and monitoring of water for the environment.
The CEWH’s Approach to partnering with First Nations focuses on providing opportunities to empower and support First Nations people to care for Country, building partnerships with First Nations people in ways that they determine, and building the confidence of CEWH staff to engage with First Nations people and cultures.
Healthy Rivers, Healthy Communities
An introduction to water for the environment and how it is carefully managed to ensure it delivers the best environmental outcomes, while benefiting river communities.
Water for the environment is making a difference
