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Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall

The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.

By news@gippsland - 1st September 2025 - Back to News

The Bureau of Meteorology's latest long-range forecast suggests that between September and November rainfall is very likely to be above average for most of east Australia. There is also an increased chance of usually high rainfall for much of eastern Australia, including parts of Victoria. Daytime temperatures are predicted to be warmer than average for south eastern Australia, while overnight temperatures are very likely to be above average almost nationwide.

Southern Rural Water urges regular meter readings to track usage, support allocation decisions, and assist farmers facing dry conditions or financial and mental health challenges

Track water usage

Southern Rural Water encourages you to regularly read your water metre to track usage against entitlements. This will support informed decisions about buying and selling additional seasonal or permanent allocation ahead of summer.

Low rainfall and dry conditions persist in some areas of southern Victoria, making it challenging for some 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

While groundwater levels remain relatively healthy, these can fluctuate depending on the location. There are a range of things you can do to support an increase in water availability. 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.

Licenced groundwater users seeking to buy, or sell, permanent or temporary entitlement, can use our new online groundwater trading platform for easy and transparent market access. Please familiarise yourself with your nearest emergency water supply points. These bores can be used for water carting for emergency stock and domestic purposes during severely dry seasonal conditions.

Drought support available

The Victorian government also has a range of support available. Take time to familiarise yourself with the drought relief package. We continue to monitor stream and river flows and update the roster and restrictions information regularly.

Please note that on 1 July 2025, the Victorian Water Register applied continuous accounting measures to all water users to strengthen compliance and enforcement outcomes. This means any unauthorised take volumes from 2024-25 were deducted from the water user's licence or Allocation Bank Account (ABA) for 2025-26. If you want to regain that portion of your entitlement, you can do this by trading with another licence holder.

Macalister Irrigation District

The 2025-26 season started on 15 August, and deliveries in the channel and regulated river system have been down when compared to the five-year average thanks to good rains in July and early August. Lake Glenmaggie is currently 87 percent full and with above average rainfall predicted over the next few months, it should continue to slowly rise before summer.

If we get consistent inflows, we are targeting a full storage in mid-September. If this is reached, we will move into a spill period with the carry-over of environmental water being the first to spill. Current allocations in the Macalister Irrigation District are 95 percent for High Reliability Water Shares, this is reviewed fortnightly until we reach 100 percent. We will review Low Reliability Water Share allocation on 15 December.

In addition to completing our winter works program, we have sprayed 38 kilometres of channels to eliminate submerged weeds and desilted several others to help ensure the system runs smoothly - particularly during high-demand times. As the season progresses, orders are likely to ramp up and we strongly recommend you follow our tips for how you can get water delivered in a timelier way.

Fair water for all

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.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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