GOULBURN-MURRAY Water (GMW) is warning people that vandalising or interfering with infrastructure can result in 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to $237,108.

The water corporation manages infrastructure and assets across northern Victoria that are crucial for safe and effective water storage and delivery.

GMW Water Storage Services general manager Alan Shea said the protection of this infrastructure was vital.

“Tampering with assets and infrastructure can impact our ability to deliver water to customers who need it,” he said.

“We go to considerable lengths to maintain our assets and infrastructure, and this can include taking legal action against people who interfere with them.”

GMW has recently had several incidents of people interfering with its assets.

A Shepparton man was recently found guilty of tampering with a GMW regulator and meter and convicted and fined $2500.

GMW is also pursuing incidents involving rocks being thrown at GMW assets, and people deliberately damaging guard railing.

Many GMW storages have areas the public is excluded from for safety reasons.

This includes ‘no boating’ zones near regulators, where strong currents can be particularly hazardous.

Under the Water Act 1989, entering a prohibited area, either on the water or on land, can result in a $3951 fine.

Mr Shea said people doing the wrong thing were likely to be caught.

“We have staff who frequently patrol the areas and also often carry out random compliance campaigns,” he said.

“Our regulators and meters are also equipped with sensors that alert us if anyone tampers with them.”

People who witness criminal behaviour at GMW storages and waterways are encouraged to contact GMW or their local police.