National Water Week was first held in 1993. The initiative is designed to help members of the community of all ages and walks of life to understand and take action to protect and conserve our precious water resources and habitats. During National Water Week Australians are encouraged to Protect, Conserve and Get Involved in water resource management.

All the water needed by the environment, farms, households and industries comes from rain. Water is essential for life!

As a valuable resource, water comprises marine, estuarine, freshwater (rivers and lakes) and groundwater sources in both coastal and inland areas. Quality and quantity are two closely linked dimensions that make up water.

Agricultural development has continuously increased since European settlement. As our population grew, so did urban development in towns and cities. As a result, the need for water grew often at the expense of the health of our waterways. Now, Australia cannot sustain an ever-increasing use of water. We are reaching the limits of our available water resources.

As a community we need to find solutions and be aware of the ways to manage our water resources today that will not threaten the ability of future generations to meet their needs. As individuals we can all help to protect and conserve our water resources.

National Water Week starts on the third Sunday of October each year. In 2010 National Water Week will be held from Sunday 17 to Saturday 23 October.