About
The East Grampians Rural Pipeline is a major investment in the long-term water security of the region, delivering a reliable, high-quality water supply all year round.
GWMWater has awarded the construction contract to Mitchell Water Australia. The project includes installing new pipeline infrastructure to deliver water directly to rural properties, along with the construction of additional pump stations and water storages to support the system.
Reliable access to high-quality water will reduce risk for existing agricultural businesses and create opportunities for growth and expansion.
It will also support the development of new enterprises, helping strengthen the region’s economy now and in the future.
Beyond agriculture, the pipeline will improve water supply for the community and deliver broader economic, social, recreational and environmental benefits across the region.
The primary water source for the East Grampians Rural Pipeline will be Lake Fyans, with secondary supplies from the Mt William headworks and Mt Cole Reservoir, providing a resilient and dependable system.
Live map
Click here to view the interactive live map of the project.
Latest updates
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Edition #23 - issued 19 December 2025
Edition #22 - issued 2 December 2025
Edition #21 - issued 11 July 2025
Edition #20 - issued 2 June 2025
Edition #19 - issued 24 February 2025
Pipeline water access as the project progresses
As construction of the pipeline progresses and sections successfully complete hydrostatic pressure testing, some residents may be able to access an interim water supply through their meter before the project is fully commissioned.
During this interim phase, the water supply may not meet our standard service levels as outlined in the Rural Customer Charter.
However, pressure and flow should be sufficient to reduce the need for water carting until the full system is commissioned.
To check whether the interim supply is available at your property, please refer to the live map.
Water use and charges
Before accessing any water, residents must purchase their water allowance. Any water used during the interim supply phase will be deducted from your existing water allowance entitlement.
You will only be billed for the water you use during this period. No service charges will apply until we confirm that water services are fully commissioned.
Usage charges will be applied in accordance with GWMWater’s Schedule of Tariffs – Miscellaneous and Other Charges.
Connection requirements
In line with landholders’ Heads of Agreement, water from the meter must be connected directly to a storage tank with enough capacity to meet a minimum three-day peak demand.
A minimum 100 mm air gap must also be maintained between the tank inlet and the tank overflow.
For more detail, please refer to the relevant fact sheets below.
Note: Residents are reminded that the raw water being supplied through pipelines is not fit for human consumption. It may be used for household activities, such as watering gardens, flushing toilets, irrigation, showering/bathing and laundry.
Agreements
To find out more about East Grampians Rural Pipeline Supply by Agreement and a Heads of Agreement, click on one of the links below:
Once the East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project is commissioned, water access will be provided under a Supply by Agreement (SBA).
All customers must have an SBA in place with us to ensure ongoing supply.
An SBA is a formal, legally binding contract between GWMWater and our customers. It sets out the terms and conditions for water supply, including:
- your agreed water allowance
- pricing and payment arrangements
- service standards and responsibilities
- conditions for ongoing supply
The SBA replaces previous agreements and brings all customers under GWMWater’s Rural Customer Charter, ensuring consistent service and support.
It also replaces the Heads of Agreement once the project design is finalised and your connection is confirmed, providing clarity and certainty for both customers and us about rights and responsibilities.
Your Supply by Agreement (SBA) will be sent electronically, making it quick and easy to review and sign from any device.
Here’s what to expect:
Email Notification – You will receive an email from us with a secure link to your SBA.
Review and Sign – Click the link, review the document, and follow the prompts to add your electronic signature.
Confirmation – Once signed, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of the signed agreement for you to keep.
If you prefer, you can request a paper copy instead. Simply let us know, and we will arrange to send it by mail.
If you have any questions about the SBA content or need help understanding any of it, our Legal Support Officer Clay Sherrat can help you. Please email
If you have signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA), you will still need to sign a Supply by Agreement (SBA) for ongoing water supply.
The HOA was your initial commitment to join the pipeline and secure your water allowance. It covered the upfront costs, including the New Customer Contribution and water allowance purchase.
The SBA is the formal contract for ongoing supply once the pipeline is operational. It sets out:
- Service standards
- Pricing and payment terms
- Responsibilities for both you and us
Without an SBA, we can’t provide water on an ongoing basis.
Existing customers who did not initially sign a Heads of Agreement (HOA) no longer need to do so.
The HOA was only required during the early design phase. Instead, we will send you the Supply by Agreement (SBA) to sign.
The SBA is important because it sets out the terms for how water will be delivered via the pipeline, including service standards and responsibilities.
We will contact you if you haven’t signed a HOA to go through the SBA and explain next steps.
Yes. We are still accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for properties located along the pipeline design route.
If your property fronts a designed pipeline, you can submit an EOI.
Please note: For new connections, a Heads of Agreement (HOA) must be signed before progressing to a Supply by Agreement (SBA). It is the first formal step in joining the pipeline.
By signing it, you’re committing to:
- The cost of your connection (including the New Customer Contribution)
- Your chosen water allowance
Depending on the contractor’s construction schedule, any new meter connection installation may be delayed until the second round of works.
The HOA is binding and allows us to include your property in detailed design and construction planning.
The HOA gives us certainty to move forward - and gives you priority for connection.
More information
The below will help you with what you need to know and do to connect to the East Grampians Rural Pipeline.
Transitioning from an existing supply to a rural pipeline supply
Construction frequently asked questions
Rural customer charges 2025/26
Example of costs for rural pipeline customers
On-farm water reticulation guide
Online water calculator available
Residents can estimate their water requirements using Agriculture Victoria’s water calculator here.
Find out how the pipeline is benefitting landholders
Pipeline connection brings relief to Rhymney farm
Pipeline connection brings relief to Rhymney farm
Fifth-generation Rhymney farmer Anthony Pola says the East Grampians Rural Pipeline (EGRP) has been critical to sustaining his Merino operation through one of the driest seasons in memory.
Read more here.
Water security bolsters East Grampians tourism
The arrival of a piped water supply at Mount William Station has given new confidence to the historic Grampians farming property and helped secure its place as a five-star hospitality destination.
Read more here.
