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Melbourne Water

Melbourne's water
storages
are currently

64.7%

We manage the taking of surface water from rivers, creeks and dams in the Yarra River, Lower Maribyrnong River and Western tributary catchments. This water is used for a variety of agricultural, industrial, commercial and domestic purposes. We also issue stormwater harvesting licences for those who wish to harvest stormwater from a waterway or asset controlled by Melbourne Water.

Unregulated waterways

Water irrigation licences in the Yarra catchment, Stony Creek, Kororoit Creek, Laverton Creek and Skeleton Creek are for supply of water from unregulated streams.

Regulated waterways

Water irrigation licences from the Maribyrnong River are for water supplied from a regulated river system via releases made to the river from Rosslynne Reservoir at Gisborne.

Stormwater harvesting

You will require a stormwater harvesting licence from Melbourne Water to harvest any quantity of stormwater from a waterway, drain, channel or asset controlled by Melbourne Water.

Charges from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012

Unregulated waterways $
Licence service fee (all licence types) 235.00
Per kilawatt fees
Power Generation Licence 19.40
Volumetric fee per ML (million litres)
Unrestricted licence 24.46
On-stream winter-fill 12.33
Off-stream winter-fill 12.33
Licensed farm dam 12.33
Non-consumptive 1.75
Other fees
Dam operating licence 73.40
Application fees
Diversion licence 476.40
Works/construction licence 640.00
Resource assessment fee - Downstream trade/transfer 476.40
Resource assessment fee - Upstream or cross catchment trade/transfer 736.80
Transfer of ownership (including temporary) 118.00
Transfer of ownership with dam sharing agreement 240.00
Licence renewal fees
Following failure to renew (Domestic and stock) 94.80
Following failure to renew (all other licences) 189.60
Reissue after Melbourne Water cancellation or breach of conditions 957.60
 
Regulated waterways $
Licence service fee (all licence types) 235.00
Volumetric fee per ML (million litres)
Unrestricted licence 55.60
Off-stream winter-fill 12.33
Application fees
Diversion licence 476.40
Works/construction licence 640.00
Transfer of ownership along Maribyrnong River (includes temporary) 118.00
Licence renewal fees
Following failure to renew (Domestic and stock) 94.80
Following failure to renew (all other licences) 189.60
Reissue after Melbourne Water cancellation or breach of conditions 957.60
 
Stormwater harvesting $
Licence service fees 235.00
Volumetric fee per ML (million litres)
Unrestricted licence 24.46
Application fees and other charges
Stormwater licence application fee 476.40
Transfer of ownership (including temporary) / Amendment to licence 118.00
Resource assessment fee 476.40
Reissue after Melbourne Water cancellation or breach of conditions 957.60
Note: Metering Charges
All new licences are required to be metered at the applicant's cost. The cost of an irrigation meter will vary according to the size required. Please contact Melbourne Water for additional information.

These charges were reviewed through a public process, where the Essential Services Commission:

  • Completed extensive analysis of Melbourne Water’s proposed 2008 Waterways Water Plan. The Waterways Water Plan outlines our long-term goals and targets including specific programs to improve our rivers and creeks and provide a safe level of flood protection for communities.
  • Reviewed capital expenditure, operating expenditure and forecast demand.
  • Consulted with stakeholders, including a review of submissions made by interested parties.

The 2008 Water Price Review covers a five year regulatory period from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2013. Prices will increase annually during this period.

Related information: