The strategy at a local level

Action status: 4.1 to 4.53

The action helped to better manage water security for Greater Ballarat. After evaluating water supply substitution options for Lake Wendouree, in 2006 the Victorian Government allocated $7 million for water substitution, which began in the same year.

The strategy resulted in reservoir water being substituted with an additional 1.9 GL on average a year from stormwater harvesting, recycling and diversions.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: 2005 to 2011

The action maximised flexibility for water sharing. The Cosgrave – White Swan interconnection was completed in late 2006, to allow access to Central Highlands Water’s then unused entitlement.

It enabled an additional supply of 495 ML to the Ballarat system in 2006–07 and 345 ML in 2007–08.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: 2006

The action maximised flexibility for water sharing. The Newlyn Reservoir — White Swan interconnection was completed in October 2017 to transfer unused entitlement in Newlyn directly into White Swan via the Cosgrave – White Swan interconnection.

It enabled an additional supply of 200 ML to the Ballarat system in 2007–08.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: October 2007

The action maximised flexibility for water sharing. The Ballarat–Goulburn interconnection was completed ahead of schedule in May 2008.

By the end of 2015–16, the pipeline had contributed more than 22 GL to the Ballarat system.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: May 2008

The action helped to better manage water security for Greater Ballarat. The Cardigan Aquifer project was completed in July 2007 and provided 2,200 ML to the Ballarat system in 2007–08, including water to substitute for river water in Lake Wendouree.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: July 2007

The action helped protect and improve river health. In 1980, the Moorabool River was diverted around the Batesford limestone quarry near Fyansford, and a concrete-lined diversion channelled was installed to reroute the river and stop water infiltration.

Despite these works, water still seeped into the quarry and was pumped directly out into Corio Bay.

In June 2011, an agreement was reached to return this treated water to the river.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Partly achieved

Delivery period: June 2011

DELWP are undertaking further investigations into the cost-benefit of the voluntary buy-back of unregulated licences program to recover water for the environment.

Further investigations are underway by DELWP to determine water recovery options.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Partly achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action helped to better manage water security for the Geelong Region.

The Northern Water Plant, built adjacent to the Shell Refinery, provides the refinery with up to 2 GL of recycled water a year, reducing Geelong’s demand for drinking water and reducing the volume of water discharged to the ocean.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: April 2013

Barwon Water completed its Aquifer Storage and Recovery research program to investigate options for storage and recovery.

The volumes in the CRSWS of 2,700 ML/y by 2030 and 12,500 ML/y in 2055 will need to be reviewed and not automatically carried forward to the next SWS.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: March 2012

The Newlingrook groundwater feasibility study concluded the option was costly and lacked community support. The Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline was successfully constructed as an Our Water Our Future initiative in 2007, reducing the need to identify new water sources.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: December 2012

Treated groundwater outflows from the Fyansford quarry were modified to discharge via the lower Moorabool benefiting the lower Barwon (1,700 ML).

Part of the treated discharge from the Ballarat South Wastewater Treatment Plant was released as environmental flows into Leigh Creek and the Barwon (2,000 ML) plus a 1 GL transfer of water to the environment was completed in 2018 as a result of supply augmentations for Geelong.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: 2018

The intention of this action was to protect and improve river health. The creation of the Upper Barwon River Environmental Entitlement 2018 was completed in April 2018.

It provides a long-term average of 1 GL a year of water for the environment through a 3.8% share of inflows and 2 GL storage capacity share of West Barwon Reservoir.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action helped to reduce the risk of shortfalls. Between the 2012 and 2017 financial years, Western Water increased its production of recycled water from 7,544 ML to 12,170 ML, and increased the use of this water from 56% to 72%.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action contributed to greater consideration of recycled water for environmental flows in other strategies.

The Western Water Urban Water Strategy 2017 includes a medium-term action — SA20 — to investigate the feasibility of delivering a benefit through the substitution of river water for treated wastewater.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Partly achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action maximised flexibility for water sharing and ensured a reliable, safe water supply. Western Water made connections to the Melbourne system in 2004 and has an entitlement — in Bulk Entitlement (Greater Yarra System - Thomson River Pool Western Water) Order 2014 — to 18,250 ML in the Melbourne system.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Partly achieved

Delivery period: 2004, June 2014

This action was explored and water was temporarily made available to Western Water to meet critical demand. A reduced catchment yield has changed the viability of the transfer. DEWLP continues to explore the best options for allocation of the remaining water from Merrimu Reservoir.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Not yet achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

This action was to help secure water supplies for Western Water. Action MR1 in the Western Water Urban Water Strategy 2017 is to continue to pursue the purchase of additional entitlements from Pykes Creek Reservoir to supplement alternate supplies from the Melbourne system.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Not yet achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The intention of this action was to protect and improve river health.

The Werribee River Environmental Entitlement 2014 provides a 10% share of inflows into Lake Merrimu to be used to improve environmental outcomes in the Werribee River. Actions are ongoing for other water recovery options.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Partly achieved

Delivery period: May 2014, ongoing

Three of the five construction phases are funded for completion with an agreed one-third of verified water savings going to the environment. DELWP and Southern Rural Water are continuing to pursue other opportunities for funding the remaining construction stages.

Implementation of the Werribee Irrigation District Modernisation project has commenced.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Not yet achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action helped protect and improve river health. The Werribee River Environmental Entitlement was created in 2014. Environmental flows in the Werribee system consist of a share of flow rather than a held entitlement.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: May 2014

This action is recommitted through Water for Victoria action 3.5.

The Healthy Waterways Strategy for the Melbourne Water catchments is expected to be released in 2018 and may include consideration of updated flow studies for key catchments such as the Maribyrnong, with proposed water recovery targets.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Not yet achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action contributed to more-efficient water use in Greater Melbourne. In 2016–17, per capita residential water consumption in Melbourne was 161 L a person a day and total water consumption was 1,170 ML, compared to 1,475 ML at the peak of consumption in 1997. This equates to a 26% reduction in water use.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: July 2015

The action contributed to more-efficient water use in Greater Melbourne. The Victorian Government continued to emphasise the importance of efficient use of water around the house and garden through the purchase and installation of rainwater tanks through the new Living Victoria Water Rebate Program (1 July 2012 to 30 June 2015).

Target 155 was first introduced during the Millennium Drought, was replaced with other water-saving initiatives when it ended and was reactivated in March 2016.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action contributed to more-efficient residential water use in Greater Melbourne, where consumption fell from 188 L per person a day in 2006–07 to 161 L in 2016–17.

Water conservation and efficiency initiatives included the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program and showerhead exchange schemes. Cities and towns across Victoria also had water restrictions.

The 2017 Melbourne Water System Strategy also includes water-efficiency initiatives. Non-residential water conservation and efficiency initiatives included the Schools Water Efficiency Program and the WaterMAP program.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action contributed to ongoing investments in efficiency and to reduce system losses. Melbourne's water retailers continue to invest in leak detection and investigation programs. For example, in 2014–15 Yarra Valley Water program saved 4 GL and South East Water saved 767 ML.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action contributed to more-efficient water use in Greater Melbourne. Melbourne Water installed remote-access data loggers on many diverter customers’ water meters.

Uses for the data include checking compliance with restrictions and bans, and irrigators can use it to manage farm irrigation.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: 2010

The action helped to reduce the risk of shortfalls. The region’s water companies report annually on recycled water, stormwater and dual-pipe initiatives. For example, in 2014–15 Melbourne Water issued 38 stormwater harvesting licences totalling 2,008 ML, and it delivered 46.6 ML of recycled water for non-drinking purposes.

In 2012, an estimated 28% of Melbourne households had rainwater tanks. Melbourne Water’s Stormwater Strategy 2013–18 notes actions to manage and harvest stormwater.

Melbourne Water is currently reviewing the strategy.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action helped to reduce the risk of shortfalls and ensured a reliable and safe water supply. A formal committee was not established. However, the task is assessed as complete as the region’s water companies have pursued local reuse and recycling initiatives related to local water sources.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action helped protect and improve river health. All rivers in the Central Region have PCVs, and bulk entitlements include provisions for passing flows. The Yarra Environmental Entitlement 2006 entitles the environment to 17 GL a year.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

An initial mapping and high-level prioritisation of billabongs in Melbourne Water's region was completed in 2012.

In 2013, a more-detailed report was completed on four, high-priority billabong sites.

Billabong watering is now a priority watering action to achieve environmental objectives in the Yarra system. Melbourne Water also waters floodplain wetlands. For example, in 2014 water for the environment was delivered to the Yering Backswamp via the Maroondah Aqueduct.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: July 2015

The action contributed to more-efficient water use in West Gippsland. The Gippsland Water Supply Demand Strategy 2012 noted progress made on all five actions relating to efficiency in the previous strategy.

The Gippsland Water Urban Water Strategy 2017 includes ongoing efficiency actions.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: 2007, ongoing

The action contributed to greater consideration of industry efficiency targets in other strategies.

The Gippsland Water Water Supply Demand Strategy 2012 reported progress on its commitment to work with industry to achieve a 15% saving in water use by 2020.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: 2012

The action helped to reduce the risk of shortfalls. The Gippsland Water Factory, which started operating in January 2013, treats up to 35 ML of wastewater a day from nine towns in central Gippsland, serving the needs of more than 48,000 domestic customers and 300 local businesses.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: January 2013

The action helped protect and improve river health. The Blue Rock Environmental Entitlement 2013 provides a 9.45% inflow and storage capacity share equivalent to a modelled, annual, long-term average of 10 GL.

This action was achieved through the Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: July 2013

The action helped protect and improve river health. The Macalister River target has been exceeded with 12,460 ML of high-reliability water and 6,229 ML of low-reliability water transferred to the environment through the Macalister River Environmental Entitlement 2010.

The Thomson River water recovery target has not been met and has been transferred to the Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.

A 2017 amendment to the Bulk entitlement (Thomson River-Environment) Order 2005 provides an additional 8 GL a year for the environment through a 3.9% share of inflows and additional 8 GL of storage capacity in Thomson Reservoir.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: May 2017

Modernisation of the Macalister Irrigation District is continuing, and water savings sourced from the Macalister modernisation projects have been used to deliver environmental benefits. Information about completed and progressing projects can be found on the Southern Rural Water website.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action contributed to more-efficient water use in Western Port. Westernport Water’s water conservation and efficiency measures implemented since 2006 include permanent water-saving rules, community education, water audits and rebate programs. The Westernport Water Urban Water Strategy 2017 includes conservation and efficiency actions, including leakage detection and education and community awareness programs.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Ongoing

The action helped to reduce the risk of shortfalls. The Phillip Island Recycled Water Scheme was commissioned in 2012. Reuse of water from the Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant increased from 3% in 2011–12 to 5% in 2014–15.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: 2012, ongoing

The action ensured reliable and safe water supply. The Candowie Reservoir upgrade was completed in 2013 and has a bulk water entitlement of 1 GL to the Melbourne system — the Bulk Entitlement (Greater Yarra System - Thomson Pool - Westernport Water) Order 2014.

The Corinella Aquifer is included in the supply system. The Bass River to Candowie interconnection has been completed and supplies established from the Corinella Aquifer. These augmentations were brought forward in the face of worsening drought conditions.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Over several years

The action ensured reliable and safe water supply. The Candowie Reservoir was upgraded in in 2013. Westernport Water has access to 1 GL of water in the Melbourne system — the Bulk Entitlement (Greater Yarra System - Thomson Pool - Westernport Water) Order 2014.

Action status (5-yearly assessment 2018): Achieved

Delivery period: Over several years

Page last updated: 30/10/23

The strategy at a local level

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Action status: 4.1 to 4.53

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The strategy at a local level

On this page:

Read the strategy

Action status: 4.1 to 4.53

4.1 Reduce total per capita water consumption by 25% by 2015 and 30% by 2020

4.2 Implement a range of conservation and efficiency programs

4.3 Substitute river water with recycled water in Lake Wendouree and for use by industry

4.4 Interconnect Cosgrave Reservoir to White Swan Reservoir

4.5 Interconnect Newlyn Reservoir to White Swan

4.6 Interconnect to the Goulburn system (Waranga Channel)

4.7 Groundwater from Cardigan Aquifer

4.8a Redirect the treated groundwater discharge from the Fyansford quarry to the lower Moorabool River

4.8b Transfer part of the water authorities' water entitlements in the west and lower Moorabool catchments to the environment

4.8c Voluntary buy-back scheme for unregulated surface water diversion licences in selected areas of the Moorabool catchment and transfer the water to the environment

4.9 Reduce total per capita water consumption by 25% by 2015 and 30% by 2020

4.10 Implement a range of conservation and efficiency measures

4.11 Line the Wurdee Boluc Inlet Channel and Ballan Channel

4.12 Substitute river water with recycled water for on-site use at the Shell Refinery

4.13 Conduct an initial trial of aquifer storage and recovery

4.14 Feasibility study of groundwater resource at Newlingrook aquifer and possible Melbourne–Geelong connection

4.15 Entitlement for the use of the Jan Juc deep aquifer

4.16 Reinstate the Dewing Creek diversion into the Wurdee Boluc Inlet Channel

4.17 Increase environmental flows in the Barwon River by 4,700 ML by 2015

4.17a Continue release of part of the discharge from the South Ballarat Treatment Plant for environmental flows in the Leigh/Barwon rivers

4.17b Transfer part of water authorities water entitlements in the West Barwon Reservoir to the environment

4.18 Reduce total per capita water consumption by 25% by 2015 and 30% by 2020

4.19 Implement a range of conservation and efficiency measures

4.20 Substitute recycled water for non-potable uses in new residential and commercial developments in Eynesbury and Melton South

4.21 Increase the use of recycled water from local treatment plants

4.22 Continue to investigate opportunities to substitute river water for recycled water in irrigation areas in the Werribee catchment

4.23 Upgrade the existing Melbourne-Inner West connection and purchase additional water rights from the Melbourne pool

4.24 Transfer 50% of the unallocated inflows in Lake Merrimu to Western Water

4.25 Develop a wellfield between Romsey and Lancefield

4.26 Purchase additional entitlements from Pykes Creek Reservoir

4.27 Increase storage capacity in the Romsey/Lancefield system

4.28 Increase environmental flows in the Werribee River by 6,000 ML by 2015

4.28a Pipe the Werribee Irrigation District and transfer the water saved for environmental flows in the Werribee River

4.28b Substitute river water with recycled water in the Werribee Tourist Precinct to free up water for environmental flows in the Werribee River

4.28c Transfer 50% of the unallocated inflows in Lake Merrimu as an environmental entitlement for the Werribee River

4.29 Increase environmental flows in the Maribyrnong River by 3,000 ML by 2015

4.29a Transfer part of Western Water’s Rosslynne Reservoir entitlement to the environment

4.29b Voluntary buy-back scheme for unregulated surface water diversion licences in selected areas of the Maribyrnong catchment and regulated diversion licences on Jacksons Creek to retire the licences and transfer the water to the environment

4.29c Transfer part of Western Water’s Barringo Creek entitlement to the environment

4.30 Reduce total per capita water consumption by 25% by 2015 and 30% by 2020

4.31 Maintain existing water savings (350,000 water-efficient gardens and work with 140,000 householders)

4.32 Implement conservation and efficiency programs (water-efficient showerhead program; water-efficient washing machine program; water-efficient evaporative air conditioners)

4.33 Continue to manage the water distribution system efficiently and reduce leakage

4.34 Expand the Pathways to Sustainability program and implement other programs to achieve the non-residential conservation target

4.35 Implement efficiency measures in irrigation systems within the Yarra catchments

4.36 Invest in local water recycling and reuse schemes

4.37 Establish an industry working group to investigate opportunities to reuse and recycle 30,000 ML of local water sources

4.38 Business cases will be completed for the Eastern Water Recycling Proposal, desalination options and stormwater reuse options

4.39 Meet the scientific flow recommendations in the Yarra River by 2007

4.39a Reduce the cap on entitlements in the Yarra River and establish an environmental entitlement of 17,000 ML

4.40 Investigate options to provide water to wetlands where it is not possible to provide overbank flows

4.41 Increase environmental flows in the Tarago/Bunyip rivers by 3,000 ML by end 2006

4.41a Create an environmental entitlement for the Bunyip/Tarago Rivers

4.41b Conduct a scientific study of the flow requirements of the Bunyip/Tarago rivers

4.42 Establish benchmarks and refine conservation targets for total water use (excluding major industry)

4.43 Develop a separate target for major industry, based on industry best practice

4.44 Implement conservation and efficiency programs, including replacing the water turbine pump from Blue Rock Reservoir to Moondarra with an electric pump

4.45 Complete Stage 1 of the Gippsland Water Factory to enable the substitution of river water with recycled water for industry

4.46 Future water available from the Eastern Water Recycling Proposal, Stage 2 of the Gippsland Water Factory or groundwater

4.47 Increase environmental flows in the Latrobe River by 10,000 ML by 2006 for seven years

4.47a Temporarily transfer part of the unallocated share of Blue Rock Reservoir and unallocated entitlements in Lake Narracan to provide 10,000 ML of water a year for flows (for seven years) in the Latrobe River

4.47b Conduct a seven-year research program on the Latrobe River to confirm the flow requirements and necessary complementary works

4.48 Increase environmental flows in the Thomson/Macalister River by 15,000 ML by 2012

4.48a Continue to invest in channel automation technology in the MID and progressively transfer the water saved (15,000 ML) to the Thomson and Macalister Rivers

4.49 Reduce total per capita water consumption (excluding major industry) by 25% by 2015 and 30% by 2020

4.50 Implement conservation and efficiency programs

4.51 Increase use of recycled water from the Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant and Westernport Water’s purification plant

4.52 Comparative assessment of augmentation options (for implementation by 2008), including an interconnection with: the Bass River; groundwater bores near the Candowie Reservoir; Corinella Aquifer; and the Melbourne supply system

4.53 Investigate a range of long-term augmentation options, including an interconnection with: the Bass River; groundwater bores near the Candowie Reservoir; Corinella Aquifer; the Melbourne supply system; and aquifer storage and recovery using the Wonthaggi coal mine

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