Water Restrictions

Water is a precious resource and we recognise the need to use it wisely.

Permanent Water Saving Rules are a set of common-sense rules to reduce water demand and encourage us to water efficiently. These rules are uniform across Victoria and they form part of our Permanent Water Saving Plan.

In times of severe drought, we may introduce staged water restrictions to ensure water supply and sustainability in our service area.

Current water restrictions

Goulburn Valley Water has introduced Stage 2 water restrictions to customers supplied by the Euroa system under GVW's Bylaw No. 512.

Restrictions are in effect from Thursday, 11 April 2019 until further notice. Towns affected are Euroa and Violet Town.

Stage 2 water restrictions will no longer be in place in the Kilmore district as of Thursday, 7 November 2019.

Restrictions have officially been lifted and the Permanent Water Saving Rules now apply for residents in Kilmore, Kilmore East, Wandong, Heathcote Junction and Upper Plenty.

You can find more information about the restrictions in our:
► Stage 2 water restrictions summary - By-law 512 (PDF, 159kB)
► Fact sheet - Stage 2 water restrictions (PDF, 81kB)

You can also download an Exemption Application Form (PDF, 133kB) or a Warm Season Grass exemption form. You can also download a Water Use Plan Application - Sportsground form (PDF, 135kb).

We have issued media releases about the restrictions in each region.

We also have water efficiency and water saving tips for customers to help reduce water consumption and be waterwise around your home or business.

Permanent Water Saving Rules

PWSR are in place to alleviate the stress household water use places on Victoria’s water resources. They are designed to reduce unnecessary water use and promote efficiency without restricting your options.

Our Permanent Water Saving Plan and associated rules are in accordance with the Water Restrictions By-Law 512 as approved by the Minister. Under PWSR:

• Sprinklers or automatic watering systems can be used after 6pm and before 10am 
• Handheld hoses can be used any time if a trigger nozzle is attached
• Brooms or blowers should be used to clean hard surfaces
• Use a bucket or handheld hose with trigger nozzle to clean cars and other vehicles
• Fountains and water features must recirculate water.

Please note: These rules will not apply in the case of an accident, fire, safety hazard or emergency in respect to the health of people or animals.

You can apply for an exemption from PWSR for the establishment of warm season grass by completing the PWSR Exemption Form.

Enforcement and penalties

Permanent Water Saving Rules are enforced under the Water Act.

If you see someone breaching the rules, please contact us with the details of the offence and one of our officers will investigate. Official warnings and on-the-spot fines can be issued for offences, while serious breaches may result in prosecution.

For more details, download our PWSR Brochure, or for tips on how to conserve water visit our FAQ page.