In the interests of the environment, the community and fairness, it's important for people to follow the rules regarding taking and using  surface water.

Most water users are responsible and follow the conditions of their water licence. However, each year a small number of people break the law when they 'take and use' water from a dam, stream, river, creek or irrigation channel. They may take water without an entitlement or licence, build an illegal dam or interfere with a water meter. Sometimes these offences are deliberate, and sometimes they're because people aren't aware of the law.

It's your responsibility to know and abide by the law

Many people taking and using surface water illegally may not realise they're doing so. It's essential that you, as a surface water user, understand your rights and obligations concerning our water resources.

If you take and use water from sources such as a dam, stream, river, creek, or irrigation channel, check your water entitlement (licence) to make sure you understand what you're allowed to do. If you're unsure, contact us! We can help you find out if you need to alter your entitlement. 

What happens if I'm caught doing the wrong thing?

Minor preliminary sanctions may include verbal and written warnings. More serious or persistent offenders may be pursued in court. We're here to help you understand your rights and entitlements, so please get in touch if you're unsure.

What should I do if I think someone is doing the wrong thing?

We encourage anyone who suspects a breach of the Water Act to contact us.

Are you breaking the law? Think about it!

You're probably not a masked robber running off into the night with a drum of water. However, common instances of taking water illegally revolve around misuse. Your licence allows you to use water in certain ways, make sure you abide by those conditions! This may also include restrictions of how much you can use when water is in short supply.

An example of unlawful water use may be taking water from a stock and domestic dam to irrigate a small commercial crop. In this case, you are breaking the law and need to speak to us about obtaining a commercial use licence. Stock and domestic water can only be used for household and stock watering purposes.

The Water Act 1989

The laws concerning surface water use are outlined in The Water Act 1989. We understand that reading and understanding long and complex laws isn't an easy thing to do. For this reason, GWMWater is involved in a project to make these laws more accessible. The Water Compliance Project has been developed so that customers can better understand the rules around the use of surface water.

Compliance and Enforcement Strategy

Water is a precious and limited resource. It is critical to our economy, environment and communities. This is why water needs to be managed fairly for all water users. To ensure fair and equitable access to the region's water supply for our customers, communities and the environment, we administer a risk-based approach to our compliance and enforcement activities, ensuring they are conducted in a responsive, open, accountable and consistent manner.

To find out more see our Compliance and Enforcement Strategy

Emergency water supplies are used in times of great need, usually for firefighting or in case of damaging drought.

Our region has multiple water supply points that provide water for emergency stock and domestic purposes during severe dry seasonal conditions, surface water scarcity, and bushfires. Some sites are also equipped to supply water to firefighting vehicles.

Accessing water when your domestic and stock supply dries up (657kB, published by DELWP)

Map of supply points

View an interactive map showing your local emergency water supply points at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) website.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Our new swipe tag standpipes are very easy to use! As well as more accurately recording your water usage, they allow you 24-hour access and are solar powered.

How to utilise service

IMPORTANT: Ensure valve is in the closed position prior to commencing

1. Connect camlock fitting to outlet pipe and ensure hose is positioned to receive water;

2. Check the display screen which should read as follows:

3. Hold tag on swipe panel on front of cabinet and ensure tag has validated^ The display screen will show the following:

Note: It may take a couple of seconds to register.

4. Press the green button on cabinet;

5. Open valve slowly in a clockwise direction and fill water receptacle. You should see the litres taken on the display.

6. Press the red button on the cabinet to stop the flow;

7. Close the valve fully in a counter clockwise direction;

8. Disconnect Cam Lock and remove hose.

^If card does not validate or shows an error, please contact GWMWater on 1300 659 961 for assistance. 

Standpipes have long been an important resource for our region, providing access to water where it is otherwise scarce.

GWMWater now operates two types of standpipes; metered hydrants and swipe tag standpipes.

Recent technological innovations are making the management of standpipes more convenient for our customers. As part of the State Government’s Drought Relief package, we have installed swipe tag technology at 18 standpipes across the region.

The swipe tag technology is solar powered, meaning that customers have 24-hour access to water for carting purposes. The swipe tags allow us to accurately record and bill for water usage for each user. They're also accessible to the CFA with keys, as metered standpipes are.

Apply for swipe tag access

Regardless of whether or not you already have a permit for a metered standpipe, you will need to apply for swipe tag access.

1. Read and understand the conditions of hire
2. Submit the form with a form of ID, such as a driver's licence, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or post to PO Box 481 Horsham 3400
3. If your application is approved, you'll hear back from us in writing within seven business days

Swipe Tag Application Form

Conditions of Hire

Apply for metered hydrant access

1. Consider if you'll need a Permanent or Casual permit
2. Read and understand the conditions of hire
3. Submit the form with a form of ID, such as a driver's licence, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or post to PO Box 481 Horsham 3400
4. If your application is approved, you'll hear back from us in writing within seven business days

Metered Hydrant Application Form - Permanent & Casual

  Conditions of Hire

 

Casual hire - For a hire period up to three months with a daily hire charge

Permanent hire - For a hire period over three months with a once off hire charge

Swipe tag standpipe locations

Non-potable water is not disinfected and there is no protection against bacteria that may contaminate the water. This means that the water is not fit for such things as drinking, food preparation, ice making, cleaning of teeth or any other human consumptive purposes. 

West Wimmera Shire Council Standpipes

Northern Grampians Shire Council Standpipes

Mildura Rural City Council Standpipes

Loddon Shire Council Standpipe

Horsham Rural City Council Standpipes

Buloke Shire Council Standpipes

Ararat Rural City Council Standpipes