The Warragamba Catchment and Lake Burragorang supply 85 per cent of the Sydney region's water. For nearly fifty years since Warragamba Dam was built, access to lands around Lake Burragorang has been strictly limited to protect the quality of the stored water.
Two special protection zones overlap the reserves around Lake Burragorang and place important constraints on recreational use. These restrictions are vital to the safety of the region's water supply.
Schedule One Water Quality Protection Zone: An area about three kilometres wide surrounding Lake Burragorang. All public access, on foot or by vehicle, is prohibited.
Schedule Two Water Quality Protection Zone: A larger area surrounding Lake Burragorang. Vehicular access is limited but walkers are generally permitted.