Melbourne Water has submitted its 2026–31 Price Submission to the State’s independent economic regulator – the Essential Services Commission (ESC), marking a pivotal moment in Melbourne's water future.  

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.

September is Platypus Month. Classed as vulnerable, Greater Melbourne is home to only 1,000-3,000 platypuses. They face many threats, one of the greatest is ‘loopy litter’ with 4 per cent of the platypus population entangled at any one time. In the Werribee River, that figure spikes to a staggering 15 per cent.

Following heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in Melbourne, rural and regional Victoria, Melbourne Water highlights it current priorities.

Water authorities continue their work to assist with the recovery and providing support for flood affected residents following the Maribyrnong River flooding event.

An independently-led review will be undertaken into the October 2022 Maribyrnong River flood.

As a result of the recent high rainfalls and subsequent flooding Melbourne Water is working with emergency services and other relevant agencies to review the impacts to our waterways and assets. 

Read the latest Melbourne Water news following the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in Melbourne, rural and regional Victoria.

"This acknowledgment from the people of Australia rightly memorialises your courage and contribution.”

Melbourne’s Annual Water Outlook 2025 shows that water storage levels are expected to remain secure for the year ahead.