Melbourne’s water storages have risen only marginally through spring, despite above-average rainfall in November, as the city prepares for a hotter-than-average summer with uncertain rainfall outlooks.
New data released by Melbourne Water shows combined storage levels increased from 72.4 per cent at the start of spring to 75.5 per cent by mid-December. While rainfall across the utility’s major harvesting catchments was slightly above the long-term average, streamflows into storages remained well below historical norms.
Average spring rainfall across the Maroondah, O’Shannassy, Thomson and Upper Yarra catchments reached 316.5 millimetres, around 4.4 per cent above the 30-year average. However, total inflows during spring were just 135.9 billion litres, sitting 24.2 per cent below the long-term average, reflecting drier conditions earlier in the season.
As a result, Melbourne water storages are now 13.2 per cent lower than they were at the same point in 2024, reinforcing concerns about supply resilience heading into summer.
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Desalination buffers supply as inflows fall short
To help stabilise water supply, more than 31 billion litres of desalinated water were added to Melbourne’s system during spring, bringing total desalinated supply for the year to around 50 billion litres. Melbourne Water says this additional supply has helped reduce the immediate risk of water restrictions.
Melbourne Water Executive General Manager Service Futures Chris Brace said the seasonal outlook meant efficient water use would remain critical.
“With Victoria about to face a long hot summer with unpredictable rainfall, it’s vital that all Melburnians continue to use water wisely, given that water use increases over summer,” Brace said.
While storages remain relatively healthy, Bureau of Meteorology forecasts indicate an increased likelihood of above-average and potentially extreme temperatures over the coming months, with no clear signal on whether summer rainfall will be above or below average.
Water use trends and conservation still critical
Despite the dry outlook, Melbourne’s overall water use fell slightly during spring. Average consumption was 1,253 million litres per day, a 2.9 per cent reduction compared with the same period last year, equating to around 37 million litres less water used each day.
Brace said permanent water-saving measures remained essential, regardless of short-term rainfall.
“While the November rain has helped, and desalination has given us a buffer, it has been a dry year overall and Permanent Water Saving Rules remain in place year-round to encourage conservation efforts,” he said.
“Simple actions like shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, using a broom instead of a hose for outdoor cleaning, can save precious water – because every drop counts.”
Melbourne Water continues to promote the Target 150 initiative, encouraging residents to limit water use to 150 litres per person per day, as part of broader efforts to protect long-term supply and maintain Melbourne’s liveability as the city grows.