Water theft affects everyone in your community because there’s limited water to go around. If you see something, say something.
Why is compliance & enforcement important?
It’s illegal to take and use more water than allowed under your entitlement.
Whenever a little more water is taken than is allowed, it can easily add up and there is limited water to go around.
Water theft affects everyone in your community and it is important that individual water users do not adversely impact other users or Victoria’s environmental values.
Individual water users should make sure they have the right authorisations before they take water from a dam, bore, stream, river, creek or irrigation channel.
As conditions in northern Victoria are becoming warmer and drier, it is important that access to water is fair for everyone.
If you see something, say something. It is all connected and taking water that’s not yours, means less for everyone. In Victoria, compliance and enforcement in the non-urban water sector is carried out by the Minister for Water and water corporations like GMW.
What is offence of the Water Act 1989 (Vic)?
Offences under the Water Act 1989
| Offence |
Section of the act |
| Unauthorised take of water |
33E and 63 |
| Unauthorised works |
75 and 75A |
| Wrongful |
289 and 63 |
| Structures over works |
148 |
| Interference with GMW's property |
288 |
| Failure to comply with licence conditions |
55A and 64AF |
| Failure to comply with notice of contravention |
151 |
How can I report an alleged offence to GMW?
Please note, you can request to remain anonymous when submitting information.
What information do I need to provide?
- When reporting an alleged offence of the Water Act 1989, if available, provide the following information:
- A description of the offence (including names of individuals and the business, location, dates and witnesses)
- How you became aware of this information
- Supporting documentation (e.g. photos of alleged action) and description of these.