Winter Seasonal Outlook
Conditions heading into winter show no strong indication of above or below average rainfall in south west and south east Victoria. This follows a particularly warm and dry autumn across the south west region, with parts recording their driest 15 months on record. Without the usual autumn break, farms and businesses have had to continue to water pasture, crops and seed to maintain growth.
Gippsland is on track for an average year, after a couple of autumn rain events equalling about 100 millimetres – yet with regular higher median temperatures, both day and night. Water levels in Lake Glenmaggie are on par with last year and the 10-year average; while in comparison our other storages are below average.
An indeterminate winter outlook – combined with above-average daytime temperatures expected across much of the state – means demand for water will likely remain strong in the months ahead.
We encourage you to regularly read your water meter to track usage against entitlements. This will support informed decisions about buying and selling additional seasonal or permanent allocation ahead of spring.
Southern Rural Water has a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorised water take. Water must not be taken from channels, pipes or regulated rivers without a confirmed order, and as per your allocated volume and time. Our automated systems detect discrepancies, and our Compliance Officers actively investigate these instances.
We know dry conditions can be difficult for farmers. If you or someone you know is struggling with financial stress and mental health challenges, reach out for support – there are resources and programs available to help.
Groundwater and Rivers
Under continuing dry conditions, pumping bans and restrictions will remain in place on some rivers and creek beds in the south west, central Victoria and west and south Gippsland. Visit our website for roster and restrictions information.
We continue to monitor stream and river flows. If conditions improve significantly over a sustained period, restrictions may be lifted.
Licenced groundwater users seeking to buy, or sell, permanent or temporary entitlement, can now use our new online groundwater trading for easy and transparent market access.
While groundwater levels remain relatively healthy, these can fluctuate depending on the location. In areas where groundwater is accessible, constructing additional or deepening existing bores on a property can help mitigate against the effects of drought. A bore construction licence is required to construct or alter any bore and we recommend you speak to us before applying for a licence.
We encourage you to familiarise yourself with your nearest emergency water supply points. These bores are used for water carting for emergency stock and domestic purposes during severely dry seasonal conditions.
Please note that while the government has a drought relief package, no subsidy is available for water carting.
End of season meter reads are currently underway. Please ensure your meter sites are clear and safe for access following these easy steps.
Macalister Irrigation District
Current allocations in the Macalister Irrigation District are 100 percent for both High Reliability and Low Reliability Water Shares. This shored up water delivery services, which continued into late autumn as customers responded to dry conditions.
Demand is expected to remain on the rivers, with winter conditions likely to be warmer than average and an indeterminate rain forecast for Gippsland. Given the large size of our catchment area, it’s anticipated any rain events will slowly increase inflow into the storages, as per previous years.
Irrigator allocations reset on 1 July and water supply services will recommence for channel and pipeline customers from 15 August 2025. Getting ahead of the spring break, speak to Agriculture Victoria about water budgeting tools, and visit our trading platform to learn more about buying or selling temporary allocation.
Our winter works program is now in progress and will be completed during the off season before supply resumes.
Water efficiency improvements, achieved through Macalister Irrigation District modernisation projects, have resulted in new permanent water shares for irrigation. Southern Rural Water auctions these shares online. The remaining permanent water shares from April’s auction are available for purchase at fixed prices until 30 June 2025 on our online trading platform.
Werribee and Bacchus Marsh Irrigation Districts
Current allocations for the Werribee and Bacchus Marsh irrigation districts are 100 percent High Reliability Water Shares and 90 percent Low Reliability Water Shares. Supply of Class A recycled water has now resumed, and this has helped ease pressure on river allocations. Carryover will be lower than previous years for most customers.
Winter supply rosters began in May, with alternate-week deliveries in place to allow for scheduled maintenance. Links to the current rosters are available on our website, or click here for the Werribee Irrigation District or Bacchus Marsh Irrigation District.
We will be carrying out capital works this winter on the 4.1 and Main pipelines in Werribee. These works will be timed to minimise disruption, and customers will be notified once schedules are confirmed.
While irrigation allocations reset on 1 July, winter demand for water remains high. Entitlement holders are encouraged to consider trading their seasonal allocation to make the most of available water.
Our compliance team will also be active across both districts, focusing on unauthorised use, illegal works and tampering with water assets.