Rationing - Frequently Asked Questions
What is rationing?
Rationing is the sharing of available channel capacity when demand exceeds channel capacity.
How will it affect me?
Your ordered volume or the time you requested your order may be altered to a reduced volume or reduced duration in accordance with the amount of delivery share you hold and the duration of the ration cycle.
Why do I need to be rationed?
It is only physically possible to have so much water in our channels. When large amounts of water are ordered, our channels reach capacity, and subsequent changes must be made.
In instances where demand exceeds capacity for only a short period, we will schedule irrigation orders - linking start orders with finish orders. This means customers will need to be flexible with start dates and times to fit in with available capacity.
In isolated locations, where demand exceeds capacity for an extended period, we will use a rationing cycle. This ensures all customers receive a fair supply as we manage congestion.
How is rationing cycle determined?
The rationing cycle will be guided by a formula. The formula has two variable inputs:
- the number of days in the cycle
- the % of delivery share.
For example, a 10-day rationing cycle at 100% delivery share rate will allow customers to receive 100 per cent of their delivery share every 10 days. In this example, a customer with 1ML/day delivery share will be able to access 10ML in every 10-day cycle.
This formula is applied to the delivery shares for each service point.
We have developed a calculator to help you understand how rations impact your supply in the unlikely event of a delivery shortfall. The calculator is designed to allow you to select the river reach that your service point is located within and get real-time information about the ration level, and how this applies to your specific service points.
Place of Take Approvals - Goulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au)
How long will it last?
The duration is influenced by demand. As soon as demand drops below the physical capacity of the channel, rationing will be removed.
Does it cost me anything?
No, there will not be any additional costs charged to your GMW account.
Does it affect domestic and stock supply?
Rationing does not affect domestic and stock supply.
What if I ignore the rationing and take what I intended to order?
Operating outside the rationing criteria will impact the service to other customers and will therefore be investigated by GMW’s Compliance Officers and may lead to prosecution.
I pay more for water, why don’t I get priority treatment?
Access during rationing events is based on delivery share held by the customer at each service point. The larger the delivery share, the greater the volume that can be accessed during a rationing cycle.
Will I be notified when changes to the rationing arrangements are made?
Yes, messages will be updated on Waterline whenever changes are made to the rationing arrangements. You may also be contacted by a planner about your order.
Who should customers contact?
Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and place orders via GMW's water ordering system, Waterline. Find out more about Waterline on GMW's website: WaterLine - Goulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au) or contact one of our planners on 1300 469 469.