About
The East Grampians Rural Pipeline is a major investment in the long‑term water security of the region, delivering a reliable, high‑quality water supply all year round.
GWMWater awarded the construction contract to Mitchell Water Australia. The project includes laying new pipeline infrastructure to deliver water directly to landholders, along with the construction of additional pump stations and water storages to support the system.
Reliable access to high‑quality water will reduce risk for existing agricultural businesses and create opportunities for growth and expansion. It will also support the development of new agricultural enterprises, helping to strengthen the region’s economy now and into the future.
Beyond agriculture, the pipeline will improve water security for local townships and deliver broader economic, social, recreational and environmental benefits across the East Grampians region.
The primary water source for the East Grampians Rural Pipeline will be Lake Fyans, with supplementary supplies drawn from the Mt William headworks and the Mt Cole Reservoir, ensuring a resilient and dependable system.
Live map
Click here to view the interactive live map of the project.
Latest updates
To receive the latest project updates straight to your inbox, click here.
Edition #23 - issued 19 December 2025
Edition #22 - issued 2 December 2025
Edition #21 - issued 11 July 2025
Edition #20 - issued 2 June 2025
Edition #19 - issued 24 February 2025
Expressions of Interest
Expressions of Interest (EOI) to be included in the pipeline design have now closed.
EOIs can still be submitted, but your property will not be included in the pipeline design if it is not already fronted by a proposed pipe alignment.
Please refer to the live map here to see if your property is fronted by a proposed pipe alignment.
Pipeline water access as the project progresses
As construction of the pipeline progresses and sections successfully complete hydrostatic pressure testing, some landholders may be able to access an interim water supply through their meter before the project is fully commissioned.
To check whether interim supply is available for your property, please refer to the live map here.
During this interim phase, the water supply may not meet GWMWater’s standard service levels as outlined in the Rural Customer Charter. However, pressure and flow should be sufficient to reduce the need for water carting until the full system is commissioned.
Water use and charges
Before accessing any water, landholders must purchase their water allowance. Any water used during the interim supply phase will be deducted from the landholder’s existing water allowance entitlement.
You will only be billed for the water you use during this period. No service charges will apply until GWMWater confirms that water services are fully commissioned. Usage charges will be applied in accordance with GWMWater’s Schedule of Tariffs – Miscellaneous and Other Charges.
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 of three days 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: Landholders are reminded that the raw water being supplied through pipelines is not fit for human consumption. Landholders may use this water for household activities, such as watering gardens, flushing toilets, irrigation, showering/bathing and laundry.
Agreements
Click on the below headings to find out more about a East Grampians Rural Pipeline Supply by Agreement and a Heads of Agreement:
Continued access to water will be provided under the Supply by Agreement (SBA) moving forward.
Signing a SBA is a mandatory step to ensure you continue receiving water once the East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project (EGRPP) is commissioned. All customers must have an SBA with GWMWater for ongoing supply.
An SBA is a formal, legally binding contract between GWMWater and the customer. It clearly 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 parties about rights and obligations.
Your Supply by Agreement (SBA) will be sent electronically via Adobe Sign, making it quick and easy to review and sign from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Here’s what to expect:
Email Notification – You’ll receive an email from GWMWater 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’ll receive a confirmation email and a copy of the signed agreement for your records.
If you prefer, you can request a paper copy instead. Simply let us know, and we’ll arrange to send it by mail.
If you have any questions about the SBA content or need help understanding any of the clauses, please do not hesitate to reach out to Legal Support Officer Clay Sherrat
Yes. Even if you signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA), you now need to sign a SBA for ongoing water supply.
Here’s why:
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 GWMWater
Without an SBA, we can’t provide water on an ongoing basis.
As an existing GWMWater customer, you now don’t need to worry about signing a Heads of Agreement (HOA). The HOA was only required during the early design phase. Instead GWMWater 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.
GWMWater will contact customers who haven’t signed a HOA to go through the SBA and explain the requirements moving forward.
Yes! GWMWater is 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:
A Heads of Agreement (HOA) must be signed before progressing to a Supply by Agreement (SBA).
- The HOA is a binding agreement that commits you to the costs involved, including the NCC and your water allowance.
- Depending on the contractor’s construction schedule, any new meter connection installation may be delayed until the second round of works.
This process ensures your connection is included in the final design and construction planning.
The HOA 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
It’s a binding agreement that allows GWMWater to include your property in the 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.
Transitioning from an existing supply to a rural pipeline supply
Construction frequently asked questions
Rural customer charges 2025/26
Example of costs for rural pipeline customers
On-farm water reticulation guide
Online water calculator available
To assist landholders with calculating water requirements, we encourage landholders to use Agriculture Victoria’s water calculator by visiting their website 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.
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.
