Drought Response Plan FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for Licensed Waterway Diverters
- When does the new Drought Response Plan come into effect?
- What are the main changes in the new plan?
- Is it possible to use bores (groundwater)?
- Where can I obtain additional information about water diversions?
When does the new Drought Response Plan come into effect?
The revised Drought Response Plan (PDF, 801kb) for licensed water users is now in effect.
Melbourne Water is committed to regular reviews of the plan to ensure it is appropriate to the conditions being experienced.
All licensed water users have been sent copies of the new plan.
If you require a hard copy of the plan please call Melbourne Water on 131 722.
What are the main changes in the new plan?
The following changes are the most significant:
- The plan is activated when Melbourne Water sends correspondence to licensed water users declaring a water shortage and qualifying each licensee's rights. Notices may also be published in the Herald Sun newspaper
- Warning levels will alert water users of low flows and the likelihood of bans
- Ban trigger levels apply for the Yarra River and all major sub-catchments. Bans are introduced once these triggers are reached.
- Where flows are subject to rapid change, such as the smaller catchments, restriction levels do not apply and catchments will go directly onto a ban following escalation of risk warning levels
- In larger catchments, such as the Yarra and Woori Yallock, a single level of restriction applies. Bans are then introduced if trigger levels are reached
- During water shortages, Melbourne Water no longer sends correspondence to notify the introduction or lifting of bans and restrictions. Instead, information on warning levels, restrictions and bans will be available on Melbourne Water's website, or by calling the Melbourne Water Customer Support Centre on 131 722
- Licence holders are expected to check the restriction status of their catchment before taking water under a licence
- The revised plan is designed for water users to manage their use appropriately in accordance with the active warning levels, in order to avoid or limit the introduction of bans
- Bans or restrictions will remain in place until the catchment-specific relief trigger is met
- During the activated plan period, a licence holder must check with Melbourne Water each time they wish to pump, either by contacting the Customer Support Centre or by checking the status of restrictions on the Melbourne Water website
- The website will be updated regularly, enabling a responsive approach to fluctuations in flows and weather.
Is it possible to use bores (groundwater)?
These licence holders are managed by Southern Rural Water, which can be contacted on 5139 3100.
Where can I obtain additional information about water diversions?
Melbourne Water has developed a handbook for both licence holders and water users generally. The handbook contains an overview of the diversion licensing function as well as useful information on a range of general diversion and licensing topics. Copies of the handbook are available for download (PDF, 801kb) or call Melbourne Water on 131 722 to request a hard copy.
Any feedback or comments on the handbook from licence holders will be gratefully accepted.