Many properties in rural areas will have the option to join our existing water network. The primary requirement for a property is that it's fronted by one of our pipelines.
In rural areas where pipeline services aren't available, we may provide landowners 'take and use' licences for groundwater or surface water diversion.
If your property isn't fronted by a pipeline, you may also be eligible to apply to extend our network.
What to do
Step 1: Check if rural pipeline services are available in your area
Use our 
Service Area Map (2.5MB) or the table below to check if our rural pipeline services are available in your area.
| Antwerp | Dimboola | Ledcourt | Patchewollock | Tempy |
| Berriwillock | Donald | Landsborough | Piangil | Ultima |
| Beulah | Dooen | Manangatang | Pimpinio | Underbool |
| Birchip | Glenorchy | Marnoo | Quambatook | Waitchie |
| Brim | Hopetoun | Murtoa | Rainbow | Walpeup |
| Charlton | Horsham | Natimuk | Rupanyup | Warracknabeal |
| Clear Lake | Jeparit | Noradjuha | Sea Lake | Watchem |
| Chillingollah | Jung | Nullawil | Speed | Woomelang |
| Chinkapook | Lalbert | Nyah | Swan Hill | Wycheproof |
| Culgoa | Lascelles | Nyah West | St Arnaud | Yaapeet |
| Dadswells Bridge | Lake Boga | Ouyen | Tarranyurk |
Step 2: Find out if your property is fronted by a pipeline
To find out if your property is fronted by one of our rural pipelines, use our interactive map of GWMWater assets or get in touch with us.
If your property isn't fronted by a water pipeline, you may be eligible to apply to extend our network.
Step 3: Find a licensed plumber
Only a licensed plumber can connect you to a rural pipeline. This is to ensure the safety of our water system and the community. You'll need to find a plumber before applying for permission to connect, as you're required to supply their details on the application form.
Step 4: Apply to connect
If you're ready to connect to our rural pipeline services you'll need permission from us before you begin any works. If you're a new pipeline customer, you'll also need to purchase a pipeline water allowance to cover your usage.
Download an Application for Consent to Connect to the Rural Pipeline System (124kB) to apply to connect as well as purchase a water allowance.
More about applying for a pipeline water allowance
Extending our network
If your property isn't fronted by a water pipeline, you may be eligible to apply to extend our network. See Extending our network for more information.
Disconnections
If you would like to disconnect from our services, please call us on 1300 659 961.
Further information...
Benefits of connecting to a rural pipeline There are many benefits of connecting to a reliable and secure rural piped water supply. Read some case studies about how piped water has benefited landholders in our community.
Opportunity now exists for landowners not previously able to be serviced by a secure water supply to be connected to a rural pipeline.
We're committed to serving our customers and have developed a charter to reflect our ongoing commitment to you and the community.
Our pricing structure is based on the size of your water allowance, the number of meters you have and your water usage.
Detailing three cost scenario examples to assist landholders to understand pricing structure.
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Our rural pipelines supply water to 51 wetlands in our region. The water is supplied under a 1,000 ML environmental entitlement held by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder. The Wimmera-Mallee can be dry at times and the wetlands are an important open water source for birds and wildlife to thrive in.
For a map and more information about the wetlands, visit the Victorian Environmental Water Holder website.
Further information...
51 environmental wetlands were connected to the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline between 2012 and 2014.
In 2009 a Memorandum of Understanding called Connecting the Catchments was developed and signed by nine South Australian and Victorian organisations to proactively manage the threats that affect surface water catchment areas.
Pipeline supplied recreation lakes and weir pools Our rural piplines also supply water to 11 recreation lakes and weir pools in our region. |
Published by: GWMWater
Date: March 2015
We have committed to sustainability as a pillar of business excellence. Our Sustainability Strategy provides a planning framework and outlines the sustainability objectives we will achieve. For us, sustainability means being able to continuously provide water and wastewater services which supports customers, staff and the region and balance social, environmental and economic outcomes.
Sustainability Strategy (2.7MB)
Supporting information...
Our Sustainability Policy is implemented through our Sustainability Strategy that enables compliance, the proactive management of risks and innovative solutions. |
Biosolids are a product of treated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant and can be used as a soil conditioner or fertiliser for agricultural and horticultural use.
Our biosolids are available to GWMWater customers to 'take and use' for free.
What to do
If you're interested in 'taking and using' our biosolids, get in touch with us.
Current Stockpiles
We stockpile biosolids for at least three years to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety standards.
Stockpiles are currently available at the following locations:
Town |
Stockpiled since |
| Horsham | 2009 |
| Sea Lake | 2009 |
| Kaniva | 2013 |
| Stawell | 2013 |
A biosolids stockpile
Further information...
Published by: Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria Date: April 2004
Australian and New Zealand Biosolids Partnership (ANZBP) (external website) The ANZBP website provides information about biosolids including, how they are produced, what is in them, how they can be used, their benefits and the potential risks of using them. |
At GWMWater, we're committed to managing our natural resources responsibly and delivering services in ways that minimise the impact on the environment.
To support our commitment, we've developed an AS ISO 14001:2004 accredited Environmental Management System (EMS), which we apply to all aspects of our work.
Our EMS contains policies and guidelines for...
Waste managementWe're committed to reducing the waste we generate and send to landfill. Our waste management is guided by the principles set out in the Environment Protection Authority’s Waste Management Hierarchy to avoid and reduce, reuse, recycle and then dispose of the remainder in a responsible way.
Fire protectionOur Fire Protection Plan is based on hazard identification and hazard reduction.
Indigenous engagementWe recognise the spiritual relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land and water and are committed to protecting Indigenous cultural heritage.
Weeds and pest managementWe understand the damage that weeds and pests can have on the environment and have developed policies to manage weed and pest issues responsibly. |
Using the EMS, we identify risks and rank them according to their impact on the environment. From here, we set targets, undertake monitoring, raise awareness and provide training for our staff and contractors. We also use our EMS to control incidents and our overall impact on the environment.
For more information about our EMS, contact us to speak to our Environmental Officer.