Southern Rural Water had the opportunity to get out and talk water with farmers at the recent Farm and Livestock Water Workshop in Casterton.
The afternoon brought farmers and industry professionals together to share ideas and discuss practical water issues that come up on the farm.
Our team spoke with farmers about water access and licensing, groundwater and bores, pumping from rivers and creeks, stock and domestic water, and understanding when free right to stock and domestic water exists.
Throughout the workshop, the group explored different questions including, understanding water availability, access and requirements. Every farm is different and more information on the key topics explored can be found below.
Understanding your water position
Dry conditions can make water decisions harder. You may be trying to work out how much water you have left, what you can access, or whether you’ll have enough to get through the season.
A good place to start is understanding your water position, including how much water you have, how much you’ve used and what you’re able to take.
This can include your entitlement, current allocation, carryover and any water you have bought or sold. The conditions on your licence or entitlement can also affect where and how you can use your water.
If you’re not sure about your allocation, what water is available to you or what conditions apply, please get in touch with us.
Looking at your options
Once you know where you stand, you may be thinking about what you can do if you need more water.
What’s available will depend on your entitlement, location and the water sources available to you. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to buy water through the Southern Rural Water Exchange, access groundwater, apply for a licence or approval, or use another water source where permitted.
The Southern Rural Water Exchange provides a way for eligible customers to buy and sell water. The trade rooms are available for allocation and water share trading in the Macalister, Werribee and Bacchus Marsh Irrigation Districts, as well as permanent and allocation groundwater trading across southern Victoria.
If you’re considering groundwater, our interactive groundwater map can help you find your area and understand the rules that apply.
If you need to access water that you’re not currently licensed or approved to take, you may need to apply for a licence or approval. The requirements will depend on where the water is coming from and what you want to use it for.
If you’re not sure which option is right for you, talk to us early. We can help you understand what may be available and next steps.
Planning for dry conditions
The conversations in Casterton also highlighted the importance of planning ahead.
If surface water becomes scarce or conditions remain dry for an extended period, emergency water supply points can provide water for essential domestic and stock purposes.
The Victorian emergency water supply network has been expanded, with new supply points and upgrades to existing sites, helping improve water access when conditions are dry.
If you think you may need emergency water, find your nearest supply point and check what arrangements apply before you need it.
Your Field Officer can also help with questions about water access, licences, metering, compliance and water use.
Support beyond water
Some of the challenges that come with dry conditions go beyond water.
Agriculture Victoria provides drought support for farmers, including grants, farm business support, technical advice, wellbeing services, resources and events.
What’s available can change as conditions change, so check the latest information to see what support may be available to you.
Having difficulty with your water bill?
Dry conditions can put pressure on farm businesses. If you’re having difficulty paying your Southern Rural Water bill, please get in touch with us early.
We can help you understand your account and talk through the options available for your circumstances.
We’re here to help
Talking with farmers in Casterton, we heard a range of questions and different water challenges.
If you’re unsure about your allocation, looking at water trading or groundwater, planning to access water from a river or creek, concerned about your water use or having difficulty with your bill, we can help you. Getting in touch early gives you more time to work through your options and plan ahead.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Farm and Livestock Water Workshop, and to Meridian Agriculture, Agriculture Victoria and Glenelg Hopkins CMA for their support in delivering a valuable day.