The water authority is hosting a series of drop-in sessions to help irrigators prepare for the potential rationing cycle.
G-MW says the 2024-25 irrigation season is shaping up to be one of the busiest in its history in terms of water orders and deliveries.
G-MW is running information sessions in the Boort, Picola and Katunga districts in early February, in case action needs to be taken.
The authority said water may be limited but not cut off.
G-MW has delivered 782,842 Ml to irrigators so far this irrigation season, setting a 10-year record.
The average amount of water delivered to irrigators by this stage of the season, measured over the past 10 years, is about 448,000 Ml.
G-MW may implement scheduling measures to fit irrigation orders within the system’s limits in the form of rationing.
G-MW water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said current conditions meant it was likely some irrigation systems within northern Victoria would enter a rationing cycle in early 2025.
“We have delivered a significant amount of water to irrigators throughout the 2024-25 irrigation season so far, and with conditions remaining dry, this is likely to continue,” Mr Blyth said.
“Water orders tend to peak in autumn, and we expect that in some parts of our system, orders may exceed what our channel network is capable of delivering.
“If this happens for an extended period, we will need to enter a rationing cycle.
“The drop-in sessions will help customers learn more about how rationing works, planning their water needs, and options for delivery share changes.”
They will also provide people with the chance to ask any additional questions they might have about rationing.
Mr Blyth said the sessions would help irrigators be proactive with their preparations.
“Whether people just want a refresher, or whether the concept of rationing is new to them, the sessions are a good way for people to get on the front foot and learn more about how they can prepare,” he said.
“The earlier people start planning, the better equipped they will be.”
The information sessions will be held on:
- Tuesday, February 4 at the Boort Resource and Information Centre, 119-121 Godfrey St, Boort, from 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm.
- Thursday, February 6 at the Katunga Recreation Reserve, Carter St, Katunga, from 10am to noon.
- Thursday, February 6 at the Picola Public Hall, Picola South Rd, Picola, from 2pm to 4pm.
- Friday, February 7 online from 10am to moon.
Irrigators can register for the meetings and find out more information on G-MW’s rationing webpage at: https://www.g-mwater.com.au/rationing