National Water Week 2026 is underway and this year's theme is all about highlighting water's essential connection to life.
From the natural environment to human health, hygiene and recreation, water is a vital but often underappreciated resource that supports life across the planet.
MidCoast Council's Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said Council was looking to draw attention to these connections locally with the activities it had planned this year.
"Water truly does connect everything, and not just at a global level. It's vitally important to so many of the services we provide to the community, from our essential water and sewer services to our public facilities such as swimming pools, sports fields and public amenities – it's a resource we simply can't live without," said Mr Scott.
"Our National Water Week activities help to highlight our connection to water and just how reliant we are on it. From our treatment plant tours, which showcase the extensive processes that go on behind the scenes to supply the community with safe drinking water, through to Water Night, which challenges people to see if they can go a few short hours without reaching for their taps.
"All these activities are free to take part in and they're becoming increasingly popular each year."
Council's public tour of Bootawa Water Treatment Plant on Tuesday 20 October is fully booked; however, there are still places available for the upcoming tour of Stroud's water and sewage treatment plants on Saturday 31 October.
There is also still time to sign up for Water Night, which will be held on Thursday 22 October from 5pm-10pm. You can find out more about these events at https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/water-wiser-hub
Council will also announce the winners of its National Water Week Junior Writing Prize on Wednesday 21 October.
Now in its second year, the creative writing competition for school-aged children across the MidCoast attracted another strong field of entries in 2026, with students tackling the theme of 'Water connects everything.'
For younger water users, Whizzy the Waterdrop is also visiting schools, early learning centres and libraries across the MidCoast throughout October, talking to children about the importance of using water sustainably and preserving our local water systems.
You can catch Whizzy at Preschool Storytime on the following dates:
· Taree Library – Monday 19 October
· Forster Library – Wednesday 21 October
· Harrington Library – Thursday 22 October
· Tea Gardens Library – Friday 23 October
National Water Week runs from 19-25 October 2026.
