Storage Trigger Levels
Storage trigger level questions and answers are available below.
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What are the storage levels today?
Check today’s water storages on our water storages page.
Why do we have trigger levels in the first place?
The trigger levels act as a guide for water businesses and the State Government when water storages are low.
Why do we have trigger levels if the State Government can decide to stay in a particular stage of restrictions regardless of storage levels?
Strictly following trigger levels, without any discretionary judgement of circumstances, can result in different stages of restrictions being introduced and removed in a very short space of time. This would cause unnecessary confusion throughout the community, so other factors are taken into consideration before making the decision.
Are all parts of Victoria affected by the possibility of the introduction of water restrictions?
Yes, the state-wide four-stage water restriction schedule is applied by local water utilities when storage levels reach trigger points for specific supply systems in each water retailer’s region, safeguarding local water supplies.
While the stages are the same for all authorities, trigger points vary between water supply systems, reflecting local requirements. At this stage most parts of Victoria are experiencing different levels of water restrictions.
Who decides whether we’re on water restrictions?
The level of water restrictions is determined by the water authorities in consultation with the State Government based on the Drought Response Plan. Any variation to these restrictions is decided by the Minister for Water.