At the commencement of the 2025/26 Rural Season, rural customers will receive 30% of licence volume. This applies to channel and pipeline customers who receive raw water, which may be supplemented with recycled water.
Depending on rainfall over the Winter/Spring period, we anticipate the 2025/26 season to commence in late October or early November 2025, once sufficient demand has been registered.
Rostered channel periods will be sent out before the season starts in our annual Rural Water Guide, and will be updated on our website. Channels that aren't on the roster (unrostered channels) run on demand of water orders made throughout the season.
For more information, please read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Important dates
Final day for water orders – 24 April 2026 before 2.30pm.
Channel season closes on 8 May 2026.
Order rural water
To place an order and for more information, see Order rural water.
You can view the 2025/26 Rural Channel Roster here.
Pipeline systems
Our rural pipeline systems offer a year-round supply of water. However, the South Lockwood system only runs at high pressure during the rural season.
Pipelines can be unexpectedly shut-off for unplanned repair.
Make sure you:
- run your water into a tank or dam for storage
- have at least three-days of water stored at any time
Compliance and Enforcement
Victoria has a tough stance on compliance with penalties for illegal take and use of water. Find out more here.
Last updated on 02 Jul 2025