Repairs to the desalination plant at Kurnell have been completed, although an extremely wet month has delayed the need for it.
Sydney’s combined dam levels were at 62.8 per cent on Tuesday, with Woronora Dam 54.9 per cent full.
The trigger for the desalination plant being restarted would be total storage in dams falling to 60 per cent.
Minister for Utilities Don Harwin said recent rain across Sydney and NSW was welcome.
“Sydney’s storages still have at least two years of supply, but we know we are in drought and the outlook is for a hot, dry summer,” he said.
Mr Harwin said, in addition to encouraging household water saving, the government had in place a range of measures to ensure NSW water supply was sustainable into the future.
“The desalination plant at Kurnell has now finished its testing so if and when we hit the trigger point of 60 per cent water levels across our dams, it’s ready to go,” he said.
“We are also now seeing water transfers from the Shoalhaven River to assist in managing supply.”
Repairs to the desalination plant followed damage caused by the December, 2015 tornado.
The earlier forecast completion date for repairs was December this year.
A Sydney Water spokesman said the plant would be able to produce drinking water within three to four months of being switched on.
It would take six to eight months from switch-on to reach maximum output.
Mr Harwin spoke at the launch of Sydney Water’s Tiny House exhibition, which reminds people of the everyday habits they can change to save water.
The exhibition at Customs House, Circular Quay, is a water efficient tiny home complete with bathroom, kitchen, laundry, bedroom and garden, all housed in a shipping container.
“Everyone can play a part in being water efficient,” he said.
“A small saving by each individual can create a significant water saving if everyone gets involved.”
Catherine Port, executive drought lead at Sydney Water, said the Tiny House activation “gives the community a fun, hands-on demonstration focused on small changes”.
“Something as simple as taking shorter showers is a great way to save water,” she said.
“Reducing shower time by one minute can save nine litres of water every shower.
“Outdoors, water your garden before 10 am and after 4 pm to avoid the heat of the day and use a broom or rake rather than a hose to clean your driveways and hard surfaces.”