Barwon Water expanding drought support

Farmers in our region are experiencing dry conditions, with low on-farm water supplies.

To help support those affected by dry conditions, we’re offering more untreated water for farmland properties and recycled water to farmers and community facilities who need it. We’re calling it the Barwon Water Farm Drought Relief Program.

If you are in the Colac region, access to untreated water will be available from the Colac Water Treatment Plant or Class B recycled water from the Colac Water Reclamation Plant. If you are in the Geelong region, Class A recycled water will be available from Armstrong Creek.

Untreated and Class A recycled water are on track to be available from 30 June 2025. Class B recycled water will be available from mid-July.

Access to the water is not restricted to current Barwon Water customers or those within our service area – users from anywhere may apply to access the water.

Untreated water will be provided at a discounted rate to farm customers. Class A and Class B recycled water will also be available at low or no cost. Those accessing the water will need to cover water carting costs.

Managing Director Shaun Cumming said the initiative formed part of the Victorian Government’s wider drought support package.

“This record-breaking stretch of low rainfall has had a deep effect throughout our local communities and across Victoria,” Mr Cumming said.

“We’re introducing this targeted measure to offer some relief to those who are feeling the harsh economic and social brunt of the drought.

“Alongside our existing business grants and rebates, we’re exploring further ways we can provide dedicated support to farming customers.”

Applications to use the water will ask for details around intended use, the type of land the water will be used on, nearby sensitive land areas, risk assessments and soil and nutrient management.

Those approved to access untreated and recycled water through the program are responsible for the appropriate use, transport, storage and distribution of the water, which needs to be carefully managed in accordance with the EPA recycled water guidelines.

Barwon Water’s Farm Drought Relief Program is being delivered alongside the Victorian Government’s direct drought support and Agriculture Victoria’s technical and decision-making support program.

Barwon Water’s in-house contact centre is ready to support any farmer in a discussion on payment assistance options and access to the new standpipes.

Farmers may also be interested in our WaterSmart Business program which offers grants and rebates for current farming customers. More information is available here:
www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/water-and-waste/saving-water

The contact centre team can also assist farmers not currently connected to a Barwon Water service, with information on options such as setting up a supply by agreement. More information is available here: www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/properties-and-development/property-connections/water-and-sewer-by-agreement

At the request of the Minister for Water and informed by input from members of the Premier's Drought Taskforce, we are delivering the Barwon Water Farm Drought Relief Program - offering more water for farmers and community facilities who need it.

Further requirement details and applications to access the untreated and recycled water can be found at www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/water-and-waste/barwon-water-drought-relief-program