The headworks system for the Wimmera-Mallee is the area in and around the Grampians ranges and Wimmera River. It includes 11 reservoirs, diversion weirs and the streams and channels connecting them.

In general, the higher reservoirs of Bellfield, Rocklands, and Wartook have better evaporation and water quality characteristics than the lower reservoirs in the system. As such, they are used to hold water for drought reserve. Bellfield and Wartook reservoirs also have superior water quality characteristics. The larger Bellfield reservoir is accordingly used as the primary source of water for the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, with Rocklands Reservoir and Taylors Lake providing drought back-up capacity, and Wartook reservoir remaining the source of water for Horsham. Wartook with Moora Moora Reservoir is also the source of water for the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline sub-system located to the south and south-west of Horsham. 

The other reservoirs perform various roles including the provision of environmental flows, contributing to supply in the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, and as a source of water-based recreation activities for the region. The completion of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline and the possible cessation of the Wimmera Irrigation Area will result in a change of role for some of these reservoirs and eliminate an operational need for others. GWMWater is currently developing updated plans for the operation and management arrangements for these reservoirs in consultation with community-based committees. 

Fact sheets detailing the current operation of the headwork’s system are being developed and will be available in the near future. For further information about the headwork’s system, please phone the us on 1300 659 961.

Reservoir operating rules