The flow regime of a river, estuary or wetland is a critical determinant of its ecology.

Flows in Victorian rivers are naturally variable reflecting the rainfall and runoff within their catchments.

They comprise low flows in summer with occasional small freshes after rain and higher winter flows including bank-full flows and overbank flooding.

Water extraction and drought can change the flow regime, which can impact the health of a waterway.

Victoria has made significant advances in the recovery of water for the environment through investment in water saving projects such as the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline.

From 2002–2009, 402 gigalitres of water was recovered and added to the Environmental Water Reserve, improving environmental flows in 71 river reaches – far exceeding the 2002 target for improvements to 20 river reaches.