Water Allocation Framework
Victoria’s water allocation framework provides the basis for the management of Victoria’s precious water resources.
Under the Water Act 1989, the State Government retains the overall right to the use, flow and control of all surface water and groundwater on behalf of all Victorians.
All water taken for consumptive purposes in Victoria is done so under entitlements set out in the Water Act 1989.
This site outlines the framework that governs the way water can be ‘taken’ and ‘used’ in Victoria. It explains:
- the entitlements to water that exist under the Water Act 1989;
- who can hold those entitlements; and
- the limitations that may be placed on those entitlements.
Victoria’s water allocation framework takes a whole-of-system water management approach. It considers all water resources (surface water and groundwater) for both consumptive and environmental purposes at all phases of the water cycle.
This explanation of the water allocation framework aims to generate greater understanding of water governance arrangements in Victoria.