Frequently asked questions

Current forecasts indicate warmer weather and below median rainfall, with declining inflows and the potential for increased evaporation. Water storages may start with lower reliability allocations in some systems. Updates are published monthly on the Northern Victoria Resource Manager website.

GMW coordinates operational responses, including:

• Monitoring inflows, evaporation, and system losses
• Modifying river, storage, and channel operations
• Liaising with Agriculture Victoria, CMAs, councils, Traditional Owners, urban water authorities, and environmental water holders
• Providing timely, accurate information to customers and stakeholders.

GMW releases annual seasonal determination outlooks on 15 February each year with updates published monthly on the GMW and Northern Victoria Resource Manager website.

GMW uses a defined framework for water management— wet, normal operations, preparing for dry, responding to dry, and prolonged dry/drought. GMW shifts operations progressively — from normal to dry response — reducing losses, conserving storage, and communicating forecast scenarios.

• Wet conditions

• Normal operations

• Preparing for changing conditions

• Responding to emerging challenges

• Managing critical shortages

In the Goulburn, Murray, Campaspe and Loddon water allocations are calculated over a two-year period. This means inflows and commitments to the end of the following season are considered. This is to make sure reserves are established to secure the availability of high-reliability entitlements in the following year if conditions turn dry. 

Carryover allows unused water to be stored for the next season. Customers can also trade water through authorised brokers. 

Fees ensure continued operation, maintenance, and renewal of infrastructure critical to current and future water delivery. 

Support includes:

• Financial: GMW has a range of flexible options for paying GMW fixed charges accounts. Find out more about these options on our Payment Assistance webpage.

• Financial: Victorian Government drought assistance grants

• Technical: Agriculture Victoria programs

• Wellbeing: Beyond Blue and the National Centre for Farmer Health

Any one who wants to construct, alter or replace a groundwater bore greater than three metres in depth must obtain a licence to construct works prior to commencing. 
Apply for a Works Licence from GMW, engage a licensed driller, and ensure your bore meets all regulatory requirements here: Groundwater works licensing - Goulburn Murray Water
Test water quality before use and check for any local restrictions or entitlements here: What are the groundwater allocations this season? - Goulburn Murray Water

Emergency supply points are available via standpipes and urban water authorities. Region-specific contacts and locations can be found here: Emergency water supply points

Environmental water supports ecosystem health, river connectivity, and water quality.  Releases may occur during dry conditions to maintain priority environmental outcomes. Moreinfomration can be found on the Victorian Environmetal Water Holder's webpage.

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) plays an essential role in the sustainable management of groundwater for local communities and the environment in northern Victoria.The Minister for Water is responsible for the management of groundwater across Victoria.In our part of northern Victoria, covering about one‑third of the state, GMW issues and administers groundwater licences and develops and implements management plans on behalf of the Minister.  More details on how GMW manages groundwater can be found here:  Groundwater

Review your water entitlements and allocations, use water efficiently, and stay informed via GMW’s website, newsletters, and SMS alerts.

Channel operations vary by system and season. Works carried out during winter are important to maintain the efficiency of the water delivery network. Updates are provided via GMW’s website and newsletters.

GMW publishes regular supply level updates, recreational area information and blue green algae alerts on our website and social media. 

As conditions change we will host local briefings with councils and customer committees, offer drop in sessions and publish media releases and online webinars.

Programs maybe available through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and Agriculture Victoria.  This may include emergency financial assistance and community wellbeing services.

Dry conditions, floods, and bushfires can introduce contaminants, increase algae risks, and affect water safety.  Risk increases as storage levels decline and temperatures rise.  Water supplied by GMW is not treated and should never be used for drinking or personal use.

Water storages are primarily managed for entitlement holders (irrigators, urban water authorities, environmental water holders). Recreational access to storages is welcomed but cannot compromise operational needs or water quality.

Recreational access may be restricted or unsafe due to low water levels or algal blooms. Updates are provided via website, signage, and community notifications.

Safety Considerations: When accessing GMW storages for recreation, it’s important to follow all posted signage and safety advisories. Activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming should only occur in designated areas to protect both visitors and the integrity of the water supply. Community members are encouraged to respect operational zones and report any hazards or concerns to GMW staff.

No—GMW cannot allocate water for recreational use; water management prioritises entitlement holders and critical environmental needs.

Yes. Lower water levels may reduce boating, fishing, and camping opportunities, and algae risks may increase.

Lower water levels or algae blooms may limit access.  We encourage recreational users to plan ahead and check local storage levels and weather conditions.

GMW manages storages primarily for entitlement holders and essential needs; recreation access depends on storage levels and safety conditions.

GMW provides updates via:

• Recreation pages on our website
• On-site signage
• Social media alerts
• Partner communications (Parks Victoria, councils)

Emergency water supply points are managed by local councils and urban water corporations, more informaition and locations can be found on the DECCA Emergency water supply points webpage.

No. Direct access to GMW-managed storages is prohibited due to safety risks, water accounting requirements, and operational integrity concerns.

Unauthorised water take is illegal and subject to fines, prosecution, and penalty infringement notices under Victorian law.  
report-water-theft

Warm, stagnant, nutrient-rich water during drought increases bloom risk. These blooms can produce toxins harmful to humans, animals, and aquatic life.  Find out more on our blue-gren algea webpage.

Install shaded tanks and troughs, use reticulated systems for stock, monitor usage via WaterLINE, participate in infrastructure upgrade programs. The CMAs and Agriculture Victoria host many free, practical programs on how to manage water effectively and efficiently: Funds, grants and programs | Support and resources | Agriculture Victoria

Sign up for seasonal determination and risk of spill updates via the Northern Victoria Resource Manager website.

Include firebreaks, access routes, serviced firefighting equipment, and monitor CFA fire danger ratings and Total Fire Ban days.

GMW provides updates via SMS alerts, website, webinars, newsletters, and community meetings. Follow our social media pages for regular updates.