Goulburn Murray Water has granted access to the reservoir, giving Ballarat schools a rowing venue for the summer as Lake Wendouree remains low.

Last season, juniors trained on a family's 200-metre long dam while seniors were forced to travel to Geelong.

Ballarat Grammar School rowing and sports director Anthony Edwards said the journey to find an alternative venue started 12 months ago.

He said officials had to ensure they were doing the right thing by the community, the City of Ballarat and the Hepburn Shire Council.

"We were desperate and we wanted to keep our rowing going," Mr Edwards said.

"They just want a stretch of water to row on."

Ballarat Grammar School, Ballarat High School, Ballarat and Clarendon College and St Patrick's College are the schools set to use the reservoir.

A pontoon, matting and toilets will be temporarily installed on the side of the Newlyn Reservoir opposite the main entrance.

A fencing compound was erected last week to secure rowing equipment and a 900-metre rowing course was measured in preparedness for the start of training in October.

Mr Edwards, a triple Olympic medallist, said buses would bring the rowers out twice a week. Training will be run on a timetable.

Goulburn Murray Water approved the use of the reservoir, which is used for fishing and as a catchment for irrigation, for a temporary rowing venue.

Ivan Smith from Goulburn Murray Water said Newlyn community members showed their support for the use of the reservoir.

"It's very good for our young people," he said.

"The school co-ordinators have done a very good job and handled it very well."

Mr Smith said the reservoir was a temporary venue because of the low water levels at Lake Wendouree.

Mr Edwards said while the rowers would miss the atmosphere at Lake Wendouree and the boat shed culture, it was a relief to travel 20 minutes to train.

Rowing training will run until March.

Rowing regattas will not be held at the reservoir.