Preparing for the new irrigation season

Thursday 30 July, 2026

With the irrigation season fast approaching, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is encouraging farmers and other water users to get ready by checking their irrigation infrastructure and understanding their water entitlements.

The 2026/27 irrigation season begins on 15 August, with water entitlement holders able to place orders as early as 10 August.

GMW General Manager Water Delivery Services Warren Blyth advised customers to review their entitlements before ordering.

"Before the season starts, we encourage customers to take the time to understand how much water they are entitled to use," he said.

"Using more than your entitlement is an offence. Customers who use water in excess of their entitlement can be prosecuted under the

Water Act 1989

.

"We strongly encourage customers with any questions about their entitlements to get in touch with us."

Depending on whether a system is fully modernised or not, water orders require either 48 or 24 hours' notice. However, irrigators are encouraged to place their orders earlier to help Water Systems Operators plan deliveries in advance.

Irrigators are also advised to ensure their on-farm irrigation infrastructure is in working condition to make sure they get water at the flow rate they order. This includes inspecting pumps, pipelines and other infrastructure for any debris or blockages.

Customers can contact GMW with any maintenance issues relating to the broader water delivery network. If a customer is looking to report a maintenance issue or has questions regarding their water licences or entitlements, they can phone GMW's Water Systems Operations team on 1300 469 469.

Mr Blyth said it was also important that during peak times customers managed their water use to avoid using more water than what their entitlement allowed.

He said it was crucial to pay close attention to several things.

"Customers should ensure they have enough water available in their Allocation Bank Account (ABA) and allow enough time for allocation trades to be processed," he said.

"They should also read their meters regularly and closely monitor the water they have used against their entitlement.

"It's important to check current usage and entitlement regularly. These can both be viewed on GMW's water ordering system WaterLINE at any time or on request from a customer's local GMW office during business hours for regulated water users."

With lower storage levels this year after two consecutive years of below-average inflows, GMW is also encouraging customers to carefully assess their water needs for the entire irrigation season. This will help customers consider their options for allocation availability.

GMW is also reminding customers that they will need to use the new version of WaterLINE when placing their water orders online. The previous version is no longer supported by the provider.

The new version makes it easier for customers to place and manage their orders and to check their Allocation Bank Account balance. It also has a new map function, clearer visual displays to monitor water flows and order status, and the ability to quickly repeat previous orders.

Orders can be placed online through WaterLINE from 10 August, ahead of the season start on 15 August.

More information about the new WaterLINE, including upcoming drop-in sessions to help customers use it, can be found here:

WaterLine - Goulburn Murray Water

Orders can also be placed through GMW's phone ordering system on 1300 469 469.

Customers who need more information preparing for the irrigation season can contact GMW on 1800 013 357.