Those that do run would be run at below supply level to minimize losses, with pulsing and carting used to deliver stock and domestic water where necessary.

A mid July resource update presented to water services committees by Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) reveals resources on the Murray and Goulburn are still hundreds of gigalitres short of that required to cover operating needs and allow an opening allocation.

Although Dartmouth, Hume and Eildon storages are at similar levels to last year, at or just below 20pc, roughly 250GL held there is carryover water.

Winter is traditionally the high inflow period and recent rains have wet catchments and delivered 28GL into Eildon in the last week, but inflows in July are still below average.

GMW Planning and Environment Manager Graeme Hannan said on Tuesday allocations were unlikely before mid September on the Murray and early September on the Goulburn.

“We are closing the gap, but not fast enough,” he said.

The resource outlook and operating plans will be outlined at an industry forum in Tatura on Thursday.

Mr Hannan said there was sufficient water to run the Goulburn on stock and domestic for the year, but only enough on the Murray for a few months.

Carryover would be available at limited times depending on demand and circumstances.

“It will require a fair bit of hardship on irrigators in terms of delivery constraints and less than ideal delivery service,” he said.

Selective use of channels, pulsing and carting last year helped cut losses on the system to record lows of 380GL.

* Final carryover figures will be released this Friday and individual balances mailed to irrigators.