Protecting your privacy

We’re committed to protecting your privacy. Our Privacy Policy and  Privacy Charter outlines the practices and policies for the collection, use and management of personal information.

We’re required to comply with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and are bound by the information privacy principles set out in it. We’re also required to comply with other laws relating to the protection of personal information. For instance, the health privacy principles set out in the Health Records Act 2001 and the Essential Services Commission Act 2001. In certain situations, regarding Tax file numbers, or when Barwon Asset Solutions does work for non-Victorian Public Sector organisations, the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth) will apply.

Why do we collect personal information?

To enable us to fulfil our responsibilities as a water corporation we need to collect personal information about our customers, employees, contractors, service providers and other individuals we interact with.

We collect and handle personal information where it is necessary for the purpose of:

  • providing water, sewerage and recycled water services
  • works related to land, buildings and assets we own and manage
  • employment and engagement of people and organisations to deliver our services
  • the promotion of these services, and associated research

When possible, we allow you to deal with us anonymously. For example, we may answer general enquiries without identifying you. However, the nature of our business is such that we can usually only deal with identified individuals, and there are some transactions for which we require proof of identity.

If you chose not to provide your personal information to Barwon Water, we may not be able to provide you with water, sewerage and recycled water services.

What personal information do we collect?

Typically, we collect names, addresses and contact details. Other information depends on our relationship with you and the nature of the service we provide.

For example, for an irrigation customer, we may collect information about property and water entitlements, banking details, proof of identity and legal documents relating to land ownership. For a job applicant, we may collect information about work history, performance, and qualifications.

How do we collect personal information?

Most of the personal information we collect is provided in application forms and correspondence lodged by customers (or their representatives) in connection with land disposition, water entitlements, change of particulars and other transactions.

We also collect personal information in the course of in-person and telephone conversations, via this website and our social media channels. Some personal information may be collected through surveillance devices installed at our offices and worksites. Additionally, in certain situations, we will create personal information about you using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools which may be considered a collection of that personal information. For further information regarding the adoption of AI at Barwon Water, please see our Privacy Charter below.

We try to collect personal information directly from the individual concerned. However, sometimes we need to collect personal information from third parties, such as when we engage contractors or consultants to communicate on our behalf. We might also need to collect personal information through employers, business associates, bankers, credit reference agencies and referees.

Health and other sensitive information

We generally don’t collect sensitive information about our customers. However, some sensitive information may need to be collected where it benefit the customer, for example in considering a hardship application or special circumstances.

We only collect sensitive information (including health information) with your consent or where authorised under law. Sensitive information is only to be used and disclosed for the primary purpose for which it was collected or a directly related secondary purpose.

Privacy Charter

Changes to this Privacy Charter

This Privacy Charter was last updated May 2026. We review this Privacy Charter to keep up to date with statutory and community expectations. So we may make changes as and when required outside our regular charter review cycle.

Further relevant information can be found on our Privacy Policy (PDF 72.2 KB). This Privacy Policy was last updated May 2026.

Associated third-party software privacy policies

The Barwon Water website has links to other third-party software. You can find further information about their privacy policies below.   

For all other data collection enquiries please contact us.