The 2026 Water Directorate's Annual Forum focuses on how digital water approaches are and can be applied in real operational settings. Designed for regional Local Water Utilities (LWUs), the program moves from shared understanding to practical action through keynotes, case studies, and facilitated discussion.

During the Forum, participants will explore:

What digital water means in practice

How utilities are using digital tools to improve visibility and decision‑making

The tools, skills and techniques needed to support adoption

Clear, achievable next steps linked to the Directorate’s Digital Roadmap

Why attend?

At the conclusion of the Forum, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate an improved understanding of digital water concepts and their practical application within regional and remote utility contexts

Identify and evaluate digital tools and approaches that support operational visibility, proactive maintenance, and risk‑based decision‑making

Recognise the workforce skills, techniques, and training requirements needed to support sustainable digital adoption

Apply insights from utility case studies to their own operational, asset management, or organisational context

Assess practical next steps for progressing digital capability, aligned with organisational priorities and the Directorate’s Roadmap for using digital tools in LWUs

For the latest Program, click here.

Who should attend?

Current Local Water Utilities members and associates
Water and sewerage managers, engineers, operations staff and government stakeholders
Non-members and invited guests of the NSW Water Directorate

We hope to see representatives from each of our 90+ members there – so if you think yourself or someone in your region should attend, please make sure to secure your seats.

We understand that our members need to get approval for the time out of area and costs of attending the Forum, so we've put together an Annual Forum Approval Letter to help get started with your request.

Are you a Consultant, Supplier or Partner in regional water?

Join peers from across the sector to share experiences, learn what works, and help shape practical pathways toward resilient, future‑ready water services!

NSW Water Directorate Annual Forum 2026

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