With so much uncertainty in our daily lives as a result of COVID-19, I am pleased to assure our customers that at Goulburn-Murray Water, business as usual is our current mantra and reliable supply and efficient operation continues to top our list of priorities.
That’s why I am writing to remind water entitlement holders the end of the gravity irrigation season will take place, as it does every year, on May 15.
With this in mind, it is now time to consider water management options.
Before June 30 each year, unused water can be: carried over, used, sold or relinquished.
I want to emphasise that in some circumstances, if water entitlement holders do nothing, they risk losing their unused water allocation and it being returned to the consumptive pool for reallocation in the next irrigation season.
As we do at the end of each irrigation season, in coming weeks we’ll do our best to proactively contact customers who hold unused water who could be at risk of losing this allocation.
It is imperative, however, that customers take responsibility for the management of their own water entitlements, and know the deadlines and documentation required for taking action.
We will also be issuing an End-of-Season Newsletter with important deadlines and requirements, and customers will be alerted when this is available to download from our website.
It’s a good time to make sure your correct mobile phone and email details are held in our system by contacting a customer service team member.
We know primary producers are increasingly strategic when it comes to water use and are constantly applying seasonal conditions to their future plans. That’s why I want to discuss here the options on offer.
Carryover: This means unused water allocation is made available from one irrigation season into the next season, to use or trade.
It is available to entitlement holders in the Broken, Bullarook, Campaspe, Goulburn, Loddon and Murray systems only.
This option could benefit water entitlement holders who need access to water early next season if seasonal determination starts low.
I want to emphasise that securing carryover water means unused water allocation must be in a linked allocation account which is linked to a water share, limited term transfer of a water share or supply by agreement.
Using remaining unused water: This means placing a final water order with G-MW for the volume of water remaining
Selling unused water: Water entitlement holders can find a buyer themselves or engage a water broker or solicitor to find a buyer.
Relinquishing unused water: At no charge, water entitlement holders can return unused water to the consumptive pool.
Diversions and groundwater customers: G-MW will start reading diversions customer meters prior to May and place a G-MW sticker on the meter once this has been done. If you are using water after this has taken place, you need to notify the diversion inspector before Wednesday, June 24.
Surface water and/or groundwater customers who would like to use entitlement during May or June, please ensure you place your order or contact your local diversion inspector. Applications for temporary transfer of groundwater can be submitted until May 29.
We already know seasonal determinations for next season will depend on rainfall during autumn and early winter.
But after consecutive years of below-average inflows, resources are depleted.
Without an increase in storage volumes, opening seasonal determinations are likely to be low.
Flows into the storages are usually highest during winter and spring when the largest seasonal determination increases occur.
For information on dates and requirements for unused water, visit: www.gmwater.com.au or contact one of our G-MW planners and customer service staff on 1800 013 357. A team member can also update your mobile or email details if needed.
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