Water restrictions are a necessary part of a sustainable future for our region and wider community. It's everyone's job to use water in a responsible and fair manner.
All Victorian towns are always under 'Permanent Water Saving Rules' unless we've introduced more serious 'staged water restrictions', which are put in place when water supplies are being threatened by drought or other environmental issues such as blue-green algae.
Permanent Water Saving Rules do not apply to the use of recycled water, reclaimed water, grey water or rainwater collected in a storage tank.
Select your town from below to check the current restriction.
If you live in a rural area, select 'rural properties'.
Legality of water restrictions
Water restrictions are based on the Victorian Government’s four-stage 
Water Restrction By-law 107 as adopted by GWMWater.
ExemptionsStorage tanksPermanent Water Saving Rules or Staged Water Restrictions don't apply to the use of recycled water, reclaimed water, grey water or rainwater collected in a storage tank.
GeneralExemptions may be granted if GWMWater considers that reasonable grounds have been presented. As a part of the process, you may need to place a Submission of a Water Conservation Plan to GWMWater. All applications for exemption will be responded to in writing within 10 business days of receipt.
Large poolsThe filling of large pools is limited under water restrictions. If you want to fill a pool with a capacity over 2,000 L, you'll need permission from GWMWater.
If you need help, call us on 1300 659 961. |
Information about our environmental management, sustainability and water resource plans and strategies.
Sustainability StrategyFor us, sustainability means being able to continuously provide water and wastewater services which supports customers, staff and the region and balance social, environmental and economic outcomes. |
Corporate Plan and Water Price SubmissionOur Corpoate Plan 2019-29 Proposed Capital Works Programme 2019/20 outlines our service objectives for the 2019-29. Our 2018-23 Water Price Submission as submitted to the Essential Service Commission. The outcomes have been grouped into three themes - Safe and Clean Water; Reliable and Affordable Services; and A Healthy and Liveable Region. |
Western Region Sustainable Water StrategyThe Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy maps out our region's water resources and the challenges and opportunities facing water users over the next 50 years. |
Blue-Green Algae Regional Coordination PlanHigh levels of blue-green algae in water can be toxic to humans and animals and so its important to manage a major outbreak responsibly. |
Fire Protection PlanWe understand that fire preparedness and prevention are a high priority in the community due to the impact it can have on private and public land. |
Urban and Rural Water Supply StrategyThe Urban and Rural Water Supply Strategy outlines how we manage water security to provide water services in our towns and cities now and into the future. |
Wimmera Catchment Surface Water and Groundwater Management PlanThis document provides the framework to manage the unregulated groundwater and surface water resources in the Wimmera catchment and provides guidance and information regarding the 'take and use' of groundwater and surface water. |
Avoca Local Management PlanThis plan has been developed for the Avoca catchment to provide the framework to manage groundwater and surface water resources in the Avoca catchment area. It also provides information to customers regarding their 'take and use' of groundwater and surface water. |
Register a dam or apply for a surface water licence. Information about surface water mangement and allocations.
Apply for a 'take and use' surface water licenceDepending where you’re located in our region, you may be eligible to apply to harvest and use surface rainfall runoff, including from streams, rivers, creeks and catchment dams. |
Complete your Avoca River Irrigation ReportIf you hold a licence to take water from the Avoca River system and have extracted water for irrigation use, you are required to complete a Surface Water Irrigation Report. |
Use surface water legallyIn the interests of the environment, the community and fairness, it's important for people to follow the rules regarding taking and using surface water. |
Latest river diverters updateThis page details the current status of both Wimmera River and Avoca River diversion triggers. |
Surface Water and Groundwater Management PlansThis page details information on the Wimmera Catchment Surface Water and Groundwater Management Plan and the Avoca Local Management Plan. |
Apply for a groundwater bore or licence. Information about groundwater mangement, monitoring, trading and areas.
About groundwaterGroundwater is an essential resource for our community, especially in the western parts of the region. |
Apply for a groundwater boreIf you're planning to construct or alter a groundwater bore, you need to apply for a licence before you can start works. |
Apply for a 'take and use' groundwater licenceTo use groundwater for irrigation or other commercial purposes, you must have a ‘take and use’ licence. |
How to trade groundwaterGroundwater can be traded either temporarily or permanently. |
West Wimmera Groundwater Management AreaThe West Wimmera GMA incorporates the area west of the Wimmera River to the South Australian border, and north to the Big Desert. |
Murrayville Groundwater Management AreaThe Murrayville Groundwater Management Area (GMA) occupies 1,916 square kms centred on the town of Murrayville, between the Murray Sunset National Park and the Big Desert. |
Use groundwater legallyIn the interests of the environment, the community and fairness, it's important for people to follow the rules regarding taking and using groundwater. |
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