General News
9 May, 2025
Water thefts increase locally
An increase in water theft in the Central Highlands region impacts community availability and system infrastructure, Central Highlands Water (CHW) warns.
The organisation has identified an increase in water being taken from the network in several localities across the region, which includes Hepburn and Pyrenees shires.
According to a CHW spokes-person, increased monitoring and compliance revealed several incidents of alleged water theft which are currently under investigation.
CHW managing director, Jeff Haydon, said the organisation will pursue legal action if customers are found intentionally stealing water from the company’s system.
“Our team of water compliance officers are aware of multiple ways that residents, business owners and community groups are stealing water from our region’s system,” he said.
“Tougher penalties were introduced back in 2020 and water corporations, like CHW, can issue penalty infringement notices for unauthorised take and use of water and other offences.”
CHW is reminding the community that, under the Victorian Water Act 1989, those who trespass, damage property, or interfere with water operations can face fines of up to $237,000 and imprisonment.
Water theft can not only damage infrastructure, impact operations including pressure and water quality, but also reduces the availability of the limited community resource.
“Water is critical to our region’s economy, environment and community, which is why water needs to be managed fairly for all water users,” Mr Haydon said.
CHW is encouraging community members to report any suspected non-compliance of the Water Act 1989 or suspected water theft across the region by contacting Central Highlands Water on 1800 061 514.
In addition to the alleged water thefts are “several criminal incidents” last month where electrical cabling and other critical components were stolen from multiple CHW operational sites.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activity near CHW’s facilities to:
Victoria Police: 131 444
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
CHW 24/7 Faults & Emergencies: 1800 061 514