SOUTHERN Rural Water has clarified changes to rules on stock and domestic dams introduced by the Victorian Government last month.
SRW, which is is responsible for licensing across the southern half of Victoria, from the Great Divide to the coast, said land owners needed a licence for most activities associated with water, with few exceptions.
"If you are planning to use groundwater or river water for any sort of commercial purpose - including irrigation and dairy sheds - you will need a 'take and use' licence," SRW said.
"Many areas across the region have had limits imposed on groundwater and river water and are now capped. If the cap in your area has been reached, you will not be able to get a new licence.
"However, you can advertise locally and apply to transfer water from an existing licence-holder.
"If the cap has not been reached, you can apply for a licence with Southern Rural Water."
Licences are also required to construct bores or dams on waterways (including natural channels or catchments of 60ha or greater).
The organisation said land owners would also need a dam-operating licence if they had a dam that was five metres or higher and with a capacity of at least 50 megalitres, 10m or higher with a capacity of at least 20 megalitres, or 15m or higher, regardless of capacity.
Domestic and stock dams in rural residential lifestyle areas now need to be registered before being constructed or altered.
"If you plan to use water for domestic and stock use, you may need to apply for a licence, depending on where your water comes from," SRW said.
"If you need emergency water for domestic and stock use, there are free emergency water supply points statewide.
"To find your nearest emergency supply point, phone the Department of Sustainability and Environment on 136 186 or check its website."
For details on applying for new licences, phone 1300 139 510 or visit www.srw.com.au
