GWMWater

East Grampians Rural Pipeline

About

The East Grampians Rural Pipeline is a major investment in the long-term water security of the region, providing rural properties and agricultural enterprises with access to a reliable, year-round supply of high-quality water.

The project, which included pipelines, construction of pump stations and water storages, reduces reliance on rainfall and on-farm catchments. It also helps support productive and sustainable farming businesses, while providing opportunities for growth and farm expansion. A real win for the region’s economy now and in the future.

Beyond agriculture, the pipeline provides improved water supply for the community and delivers broader economic, social, recreational and environmental benefits across the region.

Lake Fyans is the primary water source for the pipeline, with secondary supplies from the Mt William headworks and Mt Cole Reservoir.

Live map

Click here to view the interactive live map of the project.

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Project updates

Pipeline water access as the project progresses

Connection requirements

In line with landholders’ Heads of Agreement, water from the meter must be connected directly to a storage tank with enough capacity to meet a minimum three-day peak demand.

A minimum 100 mm air gap must also be maintained between the tank inlet and the tank overflow.

For more detail, please refer to the relevant fact sheets below.

Note: Residents are reminded that the raw water being supplied through pipelines is not fit for human consumption. It may be used for household activities, such as watering gardens, flushing toilets, irrigation, showering/bathing and laundry.

Water Quality

Residents are reminded that the raw water being supplied through pipelines is not fit for human consumption. It may be used for household activities, such as watering gardens, flushing toilets, irrigation, showering/bathing and laundry.

Water use and charges

Usage charges will be applied in accordance with GWMWater’s Schedule of Tariffs – Miscellaneous and Other Charges.

Agreements

To find out more about East Grampians Rural Pipeline Supply by Agreement and a Heads of Agreement, click on one of the links below:

What is an Supply By Agreement and why is it required?

Once the East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project is commissioned, water access will be provided under a Supply by Agreement (SBA).

All customers must have an SBA in place with us to ensure ongoing supply.

An SBA is a formal, legally binding contract between GWMWater and our customers. It sets out the terms and conditions for water supply, including:

  • your agreed water allowance

  • pricing and payment arrangements

  • service standards and responsibilities

  • conditions for ongoing supply

The SBA replaces previous agreements and brings all customers under GWMWater’s Rural Customer Charter, ensuring consistent service and support.

It also replaces the Heads of Agreement once the project design is finalised and your connection is confirmed, providing clarity and certainty for both customers and us about rights and responsibilities.

How will I sign the Supply by Agreement?

Your Supply by Agreement (SBA) will be sent electronically, making it quick and easy to review and sign from any device.

Here’s what to expect:

Email Notification – You will receive an email from us with a secure link to your SBA.

Review and Sign – Click the link, review the document, and follow the prompts to add your electronic signature.

Confirmation – Once signed, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of the signed agreement for you to keep.

If you prefer, you can request a paper copy instead. Simply let us know, and we will arrange to send it by mail.

If you have any questions about the SBA content or need help understanding any of it, our Legal Support Officer Clay Sherrat can help you. Please email [email protected]

I already signed a Heads of Agreement. Do I still need an Supply by Agreement?

If you have signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA), you will still need to sign a Supply by Agreement (SBA) for ongoing water supply.

The HOA was your initial commitment to join the pipeline and secure your water allowance. It covered the upfront costs, including the New Customer Contribution and water allowance purchase.

The SBA is the formal contract for ongoing supply once the pipeline is operational. It sets out:

  • Service standards

  • Pricing and payment terms

  • Responsibilities for both you and us

Without an SBA, we can’t provide water on an ongoing basis.

What if I never signed a Heads of Agreement?

Existing customers who did not initially sign a Heads of Agreement (HOA) no longer need to do so.

The HOA was only required during the early design phase. Instead, we will send you the Supply by Agreement (SBA) to sign.

The SBA is important because it sets out the terms for how water will be delivered via the pipeline, including service standards and responsibilities.

We will contact you if you haven’t signed a HOA to go through the SBA and explain next steps.

If I haven't signed a Heads of Agreement, can I still sign up to receive a water supply?

Yes. We are still accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for properties located along the pipeline design route.

If your property fronts a designed pipeline, you can submit an EOI.

Please note: For new connections, a Heads of Agreement (HOA) must be signed before progressing to a Supply by Agreement (SBA). It is the first formal step in joining the pipeline.

By signing it, you’re committing to:

  • The cost of your connection (including the New Customer Contribution)

  • Your chosen water allowance

Depending on the contractor’s construction schedule, any new meter connection installation may be delayed until the second round of works.

The HOA is binding and allows us to include your property in detailed design and construction planning.

The HOA gives us certainty to move forward - and gives you priority for connection.

More information

The below will help you with what you need to know and do to connect to the East Grampians Rural Pipeline.

Online water calculator available

Residents can estimate their water requirements using Agriculture Victoria’s water calculator here.

Find out how the pipeline is benefitting landholders

Pipeline connection brings relief to Rhymney farm

Fifth-generation Rhymney farmer Anthony Pola says the East Grampians Rural Pipeline (EGRP) has been critical to sustaining his Merino operation through one of the driest seasons in memory.

Read more here.

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Water security bolsters East Grampians tourism

The arrival of a piped water supply at Mount William Station has given new confidence to the historic Grampians farming property and helped secure its place as a five-star hospitality destination.

Read more here.

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More information