GWMWater urges customers to keep wipes out of toilets
GWMWater is reminding customers that wipes should never be flushed, as they are a leading cause of sewer blockages across our region.
Unlike toilet paper, disposable wipes are designed to stay strong when wet and do not break down in water. When flushed, they can build up in toilets, private sewer pipes and the broader sewer network, causing blockages, sewage overflows and costly damage.
These avoidable issues can disrupt sewer services and impact other customers in the area.
GWMWater is asking residents across the GWMWater service area to help protect their local sewer system by only flushing the three P’s – pee, poo and paper (toilet) – and putting wipes and personal care items in the bin where they belong.
Hopetoun’s tap water has been named amongst Victoria’s best.
A sample from Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWMWater’s) Hopetoun Water Treatment Plant was named as one of three grand finalists at last week’s Best Tasting Tap Water Competition in Bendigo.
In this issue 
Tapping In Edition 4 2025/26, we celebrate the winner and honourable mentions of our Community Photo Competition as well as important information on water trading.
Don't forget to enter our competition for your chance to win $100 off your account!
For Terms and Conditions, and past winners of our competitions please click here.
The Make Every Drop Count advertising campaign is back and appearing across the state including in newspapers, radio, social channels, TV on-demand and billboards.
Keep in eye out for it or have a look around their website for some great tips to save water.
While on our website, check out our page on water saving tips: Saving water - GWMWater
The Household Financial Relief Program provides financial assistance of up to $1,000 to help with household expenses for drought affected farmers, farm employees and farm dependent contractors.
Up to $1,000 is available for household costs like groceries, school expenses, utilities, rates and other important everyday expenses.
The program is open to eligible recipients in:
- Ararat, Southern Grampians, southern postcodes in West Wimmera (3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319)
- Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool and Greater Geelong.
The program is being administered by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria (CWA).To apply for a Household Financial Relief payment visit www.cwaofvic.org.au
We’re excited to announce that Julia Pearse has taken out first place in our 2026 Community Photo Competition with her stunning image captured at Wooroonook Lakes. Julia has won a $500 gift voucher for her winning entry—congratulations, Julia!
Duck season opens 8 am Wednesday 18 March and closes 20 minutes after sunset on Monday 8 June 2026.
Find out more about this year's duck season by visiting: 2026 duck season bag limit - Game Management Authority
We’re supporting the development of a new Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy to help plan for water security in a drier future.
Community and stakeholder feedback is important to ensure the strategy reflects local priorities, values and experiences across western Victoria.
You can have your say by: Read more
Recreational water users are advised to avoid direct contact with water in Lake Lonsdale following the detection of elevated blue-green algae levels.
Visitors can still enjoy recreational activities such as boating, bushwalking, sightseeing and other activities at the lake that do not involve direct water contact.
At 91 years old, Bob McIlvena has dedicated much of his life to understanding and managing water in the Wimmera region. His latest book, Waters of the Wimmera, has just been released and offers a detailed look at the region’s natural environment and its relationship with this precious resource.
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