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Despite recent improvement after a dry start to the year, Melbourne's storage levels remain below last year’s 72.4%. Without this year’s desalination order, storages would be roughly a further 2.2% lower, a clear sign of how much the plant is contributing to Melbourne’s water security this winter.
In June, the Desalination Plant commenced delivery of a 150 GL order and rainfall across Melbourne Water's four main catchments averaged just 70.3 mm, 34.5% below the 30-year average, with streamflow 5.7% below the long-term average.
July brought some relief. Catchment rainfall totalled 103.5 mm, slightly below the long-term average, while streamflow surged to 66.8 billion litres, 15.5% above average and over 26 billion litres higher than July last year. This resulted in a 2.3% rise in storage, adding 42.4 billion litres.
August’s rainfall was 80.6 mm, 28.6% below the 30-year average, but streamflow improved to 72.6 billion litres, just 0.5% below average.
Winter totals amounted to 254.3 mm of rainfall, 21.8% below the 30-year average, yet inflows into catchments reached 178.7 billion litres, more than double last winter's 91.4 billion litres. While main catchment gauges saw below-average rainfall, broader catchment inflows during July and August boosted streamflows and helped offset June’s dry conditions. Overall, storage rose from 63.4% in early June to 69.3%, a net seasonal increase of 5.8%, or 104.9 billion litres.
Despite winter rains, we've used more water from the storages than we've added over the past 12 months, making desalinated water vital. The Victorian Desalination Plant supplied 11.6 billion litres in June, and 14.5 billion litres in both July and August for a total of 40.6 GL over winter. This water feeds into the Cardinia Reservoir, blending with catchment supplies.
For 2026-27, an order of 150 billion litres was placed based to meet water demands and reduce the likelihood or severity of water restrictions next summer. This winter’s supply helps secure Melbourne’s water future, alleviating pressure on dams and reservoirs as catchments recover.
"Winter’s rain has helped, but storages are still below last year’s levels, which is why the Victorian Desalination Plant remains vital," said Chris Brace, Executive General Manager, Melbourne Water. "We’re committed to providing a reliable water supply for Melbourne."
"This rainfall independence is critical as we face a drier spring ahead. I encourage households to conserve water through simple actions like taking shorter showers and doing full loads of washing. Every drop saved now eases the system ahead of summer."
The Bureau of Meteorology’s spring forecast predicts below-average rainfall. Given this, desalination and conservation efforts are more important than ever.
Using water wisely remains one of the best things Melburnians can do, and simple habits — shorter showers, full loads of washing, water efficient gardens — all help ease pressure on the system. But waterwise habits are only part of the solution. With a growing population and a hotter, drier, and more unpredictable climate, Melbourne Water is also planning for the long term — upgrading infrastructure and preparing for climate and population challenges — to ensure resilience well into the future.
