Water restrictions
Stage 3 water restrictions will apply in Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek from 1 am on Saturday 10 May 2025.
Due to ongoing dry conditions, stage 3 water restrictions are now in place in Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek.
Restrictions are necessary to reduce demand, safeguard supplies and ensure the district has sufficient water until storages recover.
Affected suburbs
- Apollo Bay
- Marengo
- Skenes Creek
This summary has been drawn from the Water Restriction By-law No. 191
You can download the full By-law here:
Exemptions and Water Use Plans
In special circumstances, you can request an exemption to Stage 3 (Just Enough) water restrictions.
Some exemption applications require a Water Use Plan which describes how water will be used and savings maximised during water restrictions.
To apply for an exemption and / or Water Use Plan, please submit an application form relevant to your circumstance, or contact us for more information.
Exemptions and Water Use Plans
| Property | Exemption Purpose | Exemption Conditions | Exemption Valid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Bay Golf Club, Trafalgar Street, Apollo Bay | To use drinking water to maintain the tees and greens (health of grass) to a minimum standard on the west side of the golf course where recycled water usage is not available. | Irrigation with drinking water will be on as needs basis (twice per week) on the west side of the course between the hours of 6.30-8.30pm. Class B recycled water must continue to be used to irrigate the tees and greens on the east side of the course. | Wednesday 14 May 2025, ongoing while stage 3 water restrictions are in place. |
| Marengo Basin, Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay | To manage the Marengo Basin Dam safety works whilst protecting public health / safety during construction. | Drinking water can only be used as described in the Water Use Plan for essential scalps and sand conditioning. If dust suppression is required, an alternative water source should be used. | Thursday 15 May 2025, ongoing (minimum 10-weeks) while stage 3 water restrictions are in place. |
| Southern Otway Landcare Network, Community Nursery, Piggy Lane, Apollo Bay | To support nursery volunteers to propagate and maintain native plants used in restoration projects throughout the Otways, including drinking water catchments, farmland and conservation areas. | Only use drinking water as required to irrigate plants twice daily using a timed irrigation system. | Thursday 15 May 2025, ongoing while stage 3 water restrictions are in place. |
Need help saving water?
During staged water restrictions, we have the following support available for customers in Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek.
FREE Home plumbing support to fix leaking taps, upgrade inefficient toilets and showerheads.
A licensed plumber can visit your home to carry out the following plumbing works:
- replace one single-flush toilet cistern or one old leaking dual flush toilet cistern, with a more efficient dual-flush cistern
- repair leaking taps
- install up to two 4-star WELS rated water-efficient showerheads (7.5 litres/minute)
To book please contact our qualified plumbing contractor, G&S Complete Plumbing on 1300 558 711 and quote your name and Barwon Water account number (on top of your most recent bill).
A special $250 Washing Machine Rebate is available for residential customers to upgrade their old top loading washing machine to a 4.5-star WELS and 4-star energy rated or better front loader.
Existing Washing Machine Rebate T&C’s apply, however a special $250 rebate is available for customers when staged water restrictions are in place. Applications can be made online at WaterSmart Washing Machine Rebate - Barwon Water
WaterSmart Business Rebates of up to $1,500 are available for small business customers to install eligible water efficient products or replace inefficient fittings & fixtures or appliances, for example a commercial dishwasher. Applications can be made online at WaterSmart Business Rebate Program - Barwon Water
We are here to help, so drop past for a chat at our weekly “pop-up” on Wednesdays outside the IGA or contact us if you would like further information or support on 1300 656 007 or sustainablewater@barwonwater.vic.gov.au
Other ways to save
Our region is growing, and more people need to share our wonderful water. With rainfall becoming more unreliable, we will need water savings, water smarts and new water sources to ensure our rivers flow, food grows, and our footprint is low.
By making changes inside and outside your home, you can use water wisely and play your part. If we each save a little, we all save bucketloads!