Drought Response Plan
We’ve been in a severe drought for more than 12 years. During drought, licensed water users’ access to water may be restricted or banned to avoid adverse environmental impacts.
Our Drought Response Plan (DRP) is designed to ensure water users respond appropriately to expected or worsening conditions. The Plan also aims to provide a means of sharing water at times when flows are insufficient to meet all users’ needs.
The main objectives of the DRP are to:
- manage access to water by all users and the environment
- define the conditions under which restrictions or bans on use will be required for drought and the process by which these will be implemented
- outline obligations of both Melbourne Water and water users
- enable Melbourne Water to meet statutory obligations.
Flow triggers under the Drought Response Plan have been developed in conjunction with Stream Flow Management Plans or local management rules. Warning levels alert water users of low flows and the likelihood of bans or restrictions being implemented.
Ban trigger levels apply for the Yarra River and all major sub-catchments. Bans on taking water are introduced once these triggers are reached.
In some catchments restriction triggers may also apply. Restrictions generally limit the days and hours in which taking of water may continue. Details of how restrictions are applied to different licence types are contained in the Drought Response Plan.
Downloads
You will need Adobe Acrobat to access the above PDF documents. 