Private Water Scheme

What is a Private Water Scheme?

A private water scheme (previously known as a syndicate) is a private arrangement between a group of landowners to share the costs and obligations of installing and operating a private water scheme, comprising pumps, pipelines, channels, etc.

Private water schemes have been operating for many years in Goulburn-Murray Water's (GMW) irrigation districts, and from rivers, streams and bores. Water is used by scheme members for purposes including irrigation and domestic and stock.

Two Private Water Scheme models have been developed by GMW which are designed to suit the needs of private water schemes:

  • The Supply Model – for Domestic and Stock supply only.
  • The Delivery Model – for Irrigation and other purposes.

Each of the agreement models requires that any existing legacy water entitlements (such as supply agreements) are transformed into the current legal framework.

Customer Process

If you're interested in entering into a private water scheme, you must ensure that you:

  • Seek group approval to change.
  • Form a legal entity.
  • Establish an agreement between the members for access and delivery purposes.
  • Lodge both agreements with VOTS.
  • Complete application forms.
  • Provide GMW with evidence of the legal body and a copy of the agreement.