Contingent water assets
Groundwater: Presently, only some groundwater in the region is recognised as a water asset. This portion is described in water resource plans.
The remaining groundwater, although known to exist, is a contingent water asset as its recognition depends on:
- it being described with representative faithfulness
and
- changes to water resource plans.
Water within Eildon Reservoir: Water stored in Eildon Reservoir may or may not be considered a water asset of Melbourne region because, although the reservoir lies outside the physical catchment of Melbourne region, the North–South Pipeline infrastructure now links it with Melbourne’s water supply system. Water stored in Eildon Reservoir may be directed to Melbourne, contingent upon:
- Victorian Government policy direction regarding use of the North–South Pipeline between the Goulburn River and Sugarloaf Reservoir
- creation or alteration of bulk entitlements regarding water in Eildon Reservoir.
Contingent water liabilities
Supply water for urban use: The Melbourne region faces a contingent liability to supply water for urban use. This liability is contingent upon users demanding water.
