Our history timeline
Learn about the historical milestones that have shaped our service to the Lower Hunter for more than 125 years.
Our history
The Hunter Water that exists today has had a long and rich history from its humble beginnings in the 1880s when water was first delivered to Newcastle from a temporary pumping station on the Hunter River at Oakhampton.
The Hunter Water story
Our heritage assets
Our heritage assets represent more than 125 years of work to collect, treat and deliver fresh water to consumers, remove, treat and dispose of the region's wastewater, and maintain efficient and effective drainage of stormwater.
The Res
Built in 1882, The Res held the first ever drinking water for the people of Newcastle, which was pumped from Walka Water Works near Maitland. Fifty years ago, it was drained and closed, it is now been re-opened to the public for exploration.
Learn more about us
Our business
We are a State Owned Corporation (SOC) providing drinking water, wastewater, and recycled water services to a population of more than 600,000 people in homes and businesses across the Lower Hunter.
Our commitment to you
We are committed to providing water and wastewater services that benefit our customers, consumers and community. Learn more about our values and purpose, the strategies we currently have in place and our goals for the future.
Informed decisions guide how we respond
Understanding what our community values will inform our decisions around supply (where we get water from) and demand (how we use the water we have) options, and guide how we respond to drought.
Our vision and values
Discover the heart of Hunter Water, why we provide the services we do and what we stand for as an organisation.