Support available for those in need of stock and domestic water

Wednesday 1 April, 2026

With dry conditions continuing across the region, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is reminding people that support is available for those who need water and encouraging anyone without the right authorisations to contact GMW to discuss their options.

GMW staff have been dealing with the ongoing issue of people illegally pumping from GMW storages and waterways in recent years.

During this time, a number of incidents have occurred where people have parked at boat ramps or besides waterways on public roads and illegally pumped water into their trailer tanks.

GMW Water Delivery Services General Manager Warren Blyth said people caught doing this would face legal action.

"Water theft affects everyone in the community because there's limited water to go around. Illegally pumping water from storages and waterways means less for everyone else and is not the way to receive important water supply," he said.

"With water supplies under pressure, everyone needs to do the right thing and follow the rules.

"To ensure fairness in how it is used, we take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of unauthorised take."

People who are caught pumping water from a GMW storage or waterway without the appropriate authorisations can be prosecuted for unauthorised take under the Water Act 1989.

Mr Blyth said there were options available for those in need of water for stock and domestic purposes but lacking entitlements.

He said that included contacting GMW to discuss their options.

"Our diversions inspectors can help people with any questions about how they can gain authorisation to take water," he said.

"People in urgent need of water also have the option of using emergency water supply points."

There are about 300 emergency water supply points in Victoria. These are bores and standpipes that people can draw water from for emergency stock and domestic or rural needs.

People can search for nearby emergency water supply points on the

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website

Further to this, support for primary producers to offset the costs of water carting is available through the Farm Drought Support Grants program. Statewide, eligible farmers can receive up to $5,000 (ex-GST) as a co-contribution grant, which is administered through

Rural Finance Victoria.