DROUGHT-affected footy grounds could be a thing of the past in the North Central league, thanks to a pilot study investigating water options in the region.

The league's seven grounds have been assessed by environmental consulting company Ecowise, in a bid to ensure the long-term viability of the ovals.

The VCFL-facilitated study is supported by the Buloke, Loddon and Northern Grampians shires, which all have grounds in the North Central league.

Ecowise consultant James Gourley said the study involved visiting each ground to gather data on ground conditions, irrigation systems, turf types and water demands, as well as possible water solutions.

"We're not just looking at grounds but water resources in the towns as well, be it groundwater, recycled wastewater or storm run-off," Gourley said.

"To be fair, some of the clubs have done a lot of work already but sometimes we can identify other water options they haven't considered."

Ecowise will produce a report on each of the grounds, ranking water options based on cost and reliability.

North Central league general manager Lance Standfield said the reports would prove invaluable when clubs applied for government grants.

"It means all that leg work, the scientific side of things, will already be done," Standfield said.

"The project won't have overnight benefits, but hopefully down the track we won't have the concerns we have now."

North Central league president Leon Holt said the current condition of the league's grounds varied from club to club.

"Donald and Charlton's ovals are doing it pretty tough at the moment," Holt said.

"Wedderburn, Birchip and Wycheproof are what you'd call borderline. If it doesn't rain early in the season, they'll be in trouble too."

VCFL chief executive Glenn Scott said the project could be rolled out to other leagues around the state.

He said the drought provided ongoing challenges for football administrators, particularly in the state's west and northwest.

"In the Mallee, if your ground is out of action you can't just drive five minutes up the road to the next ground, because the distance is too great," Scott said.

"That's why we have to make sure we get as many grounds as possible in good nick."