Melbourne Water has pointed out that higher temperatures and increased water demand are straining the city’s water storages and supplies.
As Melbourne finishes its driest summer since 2013-14, Melbourne Water has released storage data revealing the impact of warmer seasonal temperatures.
This year was also the fourth-warmest on record for all summers since 1910.
At the end of summer, Melburnians were using more drinking water: 1,606 million litres a day, a 5.5 per cent jump from the same time last year and 83 million litres per day higher than in 2024.
“Preserving our drinking water supply is vital for Melbourne’s growth and prosperity,” said Melbourne Water Executive General Manager, Service Futures, Chris Brace. “Melburnians are reminded that conserving drinking water as our city grows will protect our quality of life, and make sure that Melbourne remains an exceptional place to live today, tomorrow, and for future generations.”
Melbourne’s water storages fell by 12.3 per cent between February 2024 and February 2025, an annual decrease not seen since the peak of the Millennium Drought.
Meanwhile, streamflow into our reservoirs last month was 33.1 percent below the last 30-year average, at just 8.9 billion litres.
Low rainfall and streamflow at levels far below the 30-year average have resulted in Melbourne’s storage levels declining during 2024. They are now at their lowest point since 2022 and approximately 11 per cent lower than at the start of 2023 and 2024.
“By conserving our drinking water, we can maximise its availability for food and energy production, which contributes to decent work and economic growth,” Brace said. “The water we save today is an investment in our future. By taking small steps now, we can significantly impact preserving our quality of life as our city grows.”
Permanent water-saving rules are in place across Victoria to help everyone use water more efficiently:
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