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Melbourne’s Winter Water Storage Report: Desal steps in as rain holds back

Winter 2025 has been very dry, and this has contributed to the driest January-June streamflows on record, with catchment rainfall down 11.2 per cent on the 30-year (1995-2024) average and streamflow around half of last year’s levels. While this has taken storage volumes to their lowest levels for the end of winter since 2020, the Victorian Desalination Plant has stepped up, delivering over 16 billion litres since 1 July to keep Melbourne’s water storages topped up. 

Permanent water-saving rules remain in force across Greater Melbourne. Hand-held hoses must use trigger nozzles. Watering systems are restricted to 6 pm – 10 am, and watering of hard surfaces is allowed only under limited circumstances, to ensure we all use water efficiently.  

Water Security Graph

Fast Facts 

  • Catchment rainfall January-June 2025 was the lowest since 2017, down 11.2% on the 1995-2024 average. 

  • January-June streamflows in Melbourne’s catchments were 45% lower than 2024 levels, the lowest since records began in 1913. 

  • Winter streamflows in Melbourne’s catchments were 60.6% lower than 2024 levels, the lowest since 2006 in the Millennium Drought. 

  • Storage volumes fell by 0.8% (around 15 GL) over winter, placing them at their lowest levels for 1 September since 2020. 

  • The Victorian Desalination Plant has contributed 16 GL (billion litres) since 1 July, enough to meet the city’s water needs for roughly 20 days. 

“Desalination has been our winter lifeline and every drop counts,” said Chris Brace, Melbourne Water Executive General Manager of Service Futures. “But we still need every Melburnian to play their part. Fix leaking taps around the home; cut your shower by a minute. Small actions add up to billions of litres saved and can help us get through the drier months ahead.” 

After a dry autumn, Melbourne’s catchments had only brief relief due to sporadic cold fronts this winter. Despite those showers, the total rainfall for June, July, and August remains well below the 30-year average. The decline in winter streamflow is due to dry catchment soils resulting from rain shortfalls earlier in the year. This suggests a potential decline in our water storages unless we receive good rainfall in spring. 

The Bureau of Meteorology’s current spring forecast suggests a neutral to slightly wetter pattern over September-November. While showers are forecast, they may not bring flows to catchments back to long-term averages. This makes both our desalination supply and community conservation efforts vital. 

Embracing Water-Wise Habits 

We all play a role in securing Melbourne’s water future. You can: 

  • Check taps, toilets and irrigation systems for leaks regularly. 

  • Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures and appliances. 

  • Water gardens only when needed, using a watering can or trigger-nozzle hose. 

  • Install a rainwater tank, or a small grab-and-go system for garden use. 

All of these actions support the Victorian Government’s permanent water-saving rules, which remain in effect to make sure we use every drop wisely. Every litre saved now strengthens our buffer against upcoming dry spells. Together, we’ll keep Melbourne’s taps flowing. 

 

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