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

GWMWater is committed to the ongoing improvement of services and infrastructure in our region. That's why we undertake an annual capital investment program as part of our committment to provide sustainable water and wastewater services for our community. These initiatives are a part of our  Corporate Plan.

You might notice a project in your area; check the table below to see our current list of capital works and when we expect them to be completed.

If you want further information about a particular project, don't hesitate to contact us.

You need to be vigilant in your water use at all times, even when you're not under water restrictions! That's why all Victorian towns are subject to Permanent Water Saving Rules. This way, we can all use water responsibly and contribute to the health of our water supplies. The Rules are in place at all times, except for when staged water restrictions are in force.

The Rules don't apply to the use of recycled or reclaimed water, greywater, stormwater or rainwater. They only apply to water supplied by GWMWater (or whichever relevant water authority you fall under).

The 5 Permanent Water Saving Rules

1. Keep your hose healthy

Your hand-held hose should be fitted with a trigger nozzle and kept leak-free. 

2. Water in the mornings and evenings

Avoid watering during the main daylight hours as this water is likely to evaporate before it can be absorbed by plants and lawns. If you can't water in the mornings or evenings, make sure you use a bucket, watering can or hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle rather than a watering system. If you're using a watering system, you can only water overnight between the hours of 6pm and 10am. 

3. Enjoy your water features responsibly

If you have a pond or water feature, feel free to keep enjoying it! However, in compliance with the rules, make sure it uses recirculated water. 

4. Don't hose hard surfaces

Don't use water to clean hard surfaces, such as driveways, paths, concrete, tiles and timber decking, except:

• where cleaning is needed after an accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency
• when there's staining on the surface (and even then, keep it to once a season)
• in the course of construction or renovation.

In cases where you have to use water to clean a hard surface, be water wise and use a high-pressure water cleaner. If that isn't possible, a hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle or bucket can be used. 

5. The rules are for everyone!

The rules also apply to public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces. We all have to contribute to the water conservation effort. A public garden, lawn or playing surface must be watered using a:

• hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle, a bucket or a watering can or;
• watering system fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor between the hours of 6pm and 10am.

Customers are urged to abide by the state-wide Permanent Water Saving Rules as contravention may result in penalties in-line with clauses 170E and 170F of the Water Act 1989.

For more information on the Permanent Water Saving Rules, view our Permanent Water Saving Plan.

Legality of water restrictions

Water restrictions are based on the Victorian Government’s four-stage Urban Water Restriction Supply By-Law 105 as adopted by GWMWater.

Customers are urged to abide by these restrictions as contravention may result in penalties of up to $6060 or three months imprisonment for the first offence.

Water restrictions have one primary purpose - to conserve water! The health of the water supply dictates the level of restrictions, Stage 1 being the most mild and Stage 4 being the most severe. Water restrictions apply to everyone in the community, unless exempted by GWMWater.

Note that the information below is just a guideline to staged water restrictions. A lot of restrictions aren't as simple as YES or NO; they're often conditional on times and methods. For full details, refer to Water Restrictions - Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

When using a hose, always use a trigger nozzle so that you're using water efficiently!

Watering the garden

Pools and spas

Washing your vehicle

Alternate days

You will see this term mentioned throughout water restriction rules. It means people can only water their gardens and/or lawns on certain dates of the month according to whether their street number is odd or even-numbered:

Even and un-numbered properties can water on even dates. For example, if you live at number 16 you can water on the 2nd or 4th, but not the 3rd or 5th.

Odd-numbered properties can water on odd dates. For example if you live at number 17, you can water on the 3rd or 5th, but not the 4th or 6th.

On February the 29th and the 31st of any month any property number can water.

Legality of water restrictions

Water restrictions are based on the Victorian Government’s four-stage Water Restrictions By-Law No 105 (5.67MB, 34 pages) as adopted by GWMWater.

Customers are urged to abide by these restrictions as contravention may result in penalties of up to $6060 or three months imprisonment for the first offence.