WATER could soon be trucked into the township of Meredith.

Meredith draws its water from the Moorabool River. With below average rainfall and little inflows there is uncertainty the town will be able to rely on the river for its water consumption during summer.

Barwon Water executive manager water systems Carl Bicknell said winter rainfall and reduced consumption by the township had so far avoided the need to truck water, but plans were in place to do so, if necessary.

"Winter rainfall, combined with lower consumption, has enabled Meredith's demand to be met from Moorabool River's natural inflows for the past few months," Mr Bicknell said.

"If there is insufficient flow in the Moorabool River to meet demand, Barwon Water has the option of trucking water to the township to ensure supply."

Meredith has a population of about 1100. Mr Bicknell declined to say how many trucks would be required to supply residents.

He also would not comment how much water is being used a day because a decision will be made tomorrow about what steps will be taken to secure the town's supply.

Barwon Water's 2005-2006 annual report shows the Meredith water treatment plant processed 331 megalitres which was shared with nearby Lethbridge.

New infrastructure means Lethbridge can now be supplied from the She Oaks water treatment plant, removing its reliance on Meredith's water supply.

This would make trucking water into Meredith feasible Mr Bicknell said.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority river and catchment program manager David May said the Moorabool river was stressed by the drought.

It's up to the Department of Sustainability and Environment to advise Barwon Water to stop drawing water from the river Mr May said.

"They can draw on it within their bulk entitlement," he said.

"We don't advise them as to when they should stop drawing water, that's done through the licensing arrangements with DSE.

"It's (the river) certainly under a significant level of stress. The flows are still far below average, it just means our whole river systems are under stress as is our water supply systems."