Melbourne’s Summer Water Storage report: Every drop counts as levels fall
Melbourne Water is encouraging Melburnians to reduce water use as storage levels close summer at 69%, the lowest since 2020 and more than 11 percentage points below last year.
Storages began the summer at 75%, before falling to 70% by 28 February, a net decrease of 5% or 99.5 billion litres. At the same time last year, storage was at 81%.
While streamflow into catchments this summer was marginally above the 30-year average, the broader picture tells a different story. From July 2024 to June 2025, inflows to Melbourne’s storages were 36% below the 30-year average, including the lowest January-June inflows on record. One near-average summer cannot offset years of declining inflows.
Victoria’s water supply is under pressure from growth across the Melbourne area including supply to Geelong and Gippsland, decreased rainfall, and a changing climate. This summer illustrated both ends of that reality. On Melbourne’s hottest day, temperatures reached 45 degrees and water usage hit its highest level since 2001, while overall storage continued its downward trend. The peaks and troughs of an increasingly extreme climate are placing the system under sustained and growing strain.
Chris Brace, Executive General Manager of Service Futures at Melbourne Water, said the long-term outlook requires a whole-of-community response.
“What makes this result significant is that our catchments actually performed close to average this summer. When storage falls under those conditions, it tells you something important about where we’re headed, and why protecting our water supply is something we all need to be part of.”
“Melbourne Water and the Victorian Government are investing in a flexible, resilient system, one that can move water across the network to where it’s needed most, and draw on a range of supply options as conditions demand. But the most powerful thing we can do together is to use water wisely, every day.”
Brace also cautioned against complacency following recent rainfall.
“Short-term rain events do little to replenish storages that have been under sustained pressure for years. Protecting Melbourne’s water future is a year-round commitment, and the actions we take when it’s raining are just as important as the ones we take during dry times.”
Looking ahead, there is little immediate relief in sight. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of a likely dry start to autumn for southern Australia, leaving low prospects for near-term storage recovery. Desalination has added 50,000 million litres to the system in 2025-26 to help maintain supply security and the Victorian Government is currently considering what volume of desalinated water to order for 2026-27. However, lasting water security depends on everyone playing their part.
Small, everyday actions are essential. Take four-minute showers, run only full washing machine loads, fix leaking taps, and water the garden before 10am to reduce evaporation.
Find more tips for managing water use in your quarterly bill or online via Melbourne Water’s conservation resources and the Make Every Drop Count website.
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