Carting drinking water 

Water carters are vehicles that are registered to draw drinking water from Western Water’s water supply. The water is transported and used for different purposes such as:

• dust suppression
• construction
• livestock
• landscaping
• municipal watering
• private homes that aren’t connected to mains water.

For information about carting recycled water, please click here.

There are drinking water standpipes in four towns across the Western Water region for use by registered water carters.

Where a standpipe is not available, water carters can access approved hydrants. Click here to see and locations of standpipes and approved hydrants.

Registered water carters display a Western Water sticker with their permit number and expiry date.

We conduct random audits to check that water is taken and used appropriately by water carters. We also monitor standpipe and hydrant sites and educate registered water carters to ensure water drawn appropriately.

If you see someone filling a vehicle without displaying this sticker they may be taking water illegally. You can report them by phoning us on 1300 650 422 with their vehicle registration number.

Vehicles with capacity over 1800 litres:

• Your vehicle will need to have an GPS unit installed. The GPS unit will automatically record water taken and bill your account. 
• To access electronic standpipes you will need an electronic key issued by Western Water. The key will automatically record water taken and bill your account.

Vehicles with capacity up to 1800 litres:

• Complete a  log sheet (26 Kb) and send it to Western Water each month. 
• To access electronic standpipes you will need an electronic key issued by Western Water. The key will automatically record water taken and bill your account.

To register to become a registered water carter:

• Download and send us a  Water Carter/Hydrant Application Form (103 Kb).
• Applications can take up to 10 days to process.
• There are no registration fees. If you require access to an electronic standpipe you will need to pay a $30.00 deposit when your electronic key is issued.

• Drinking water taken from Western Water’s system by a water carter is subject to the same water restrictions that apply to the location where the water is drawn from.
• The Department of Human Services' Food Safety Unit has Guidelines for drinking (potable) water transport in Victoria. There is also information on keeping drinking water safe and private drinking water carters.
• It is a requirement under the Food Act 1984 that any commercial or private business carting water for human consumption or a purpose connected with human consumption must register with their local council.