Accessing Emergency Water Supply Points
There are three main types of emergency water supply points:
Emergency Supply Bores
Emergency supply bores have been operating since the 1960s. Most of these sites are managed by local councils.
Urban Water Corporations' Standpipes and Metered Filling
Some water corporations have standpipe connections to reticulated water systems. Some of these sites are included on the Emergency Water Supply Points Map, although others may exist. Access to these sites is subject to water availability and must be arranged by contacting the relevant urban water corporation.
In the Melbourne metropolitan region, metered filling stations are managed by the Melbourne water corporations. These sites are primarily used by commercial water carters and access is generally controlled by a swipe card. Contact the relevant water corporation to arrange access to these sites.
Channels, Streams and Waterways
Water for domestic and stock purposes can be extracted and carted from channels, streams or reservoirs from public access points. Rural water corporations manage the extraction of this water and need to provide advice on the location of these points and the availability of supply. If water is extracted by water cartage operators, it is considered a commercial use, and therefore requires licence approval.