Water Outlook

See Melbourne’s annual water outlook and the quarterly updates: a summary of the state of our water availability and demand, and what this means for Melbourne – including actions the water industry is taking to secure a resilient, reliable water supply.  

Melbourne’s water storages and future supply are carefully monitored throughout the year. 

Each year, Melbourne’s four metropolitan water corporations, Melbourne Water, Greater Western Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water jointly assess current storage levels, expected inflows and demand and outline how Melbourne’s water supplies will be managed through Melbourne’s Annual Water Outlook.  

During extended dry conditions, we also provide quarterly updates to keep customers and communities informed of current storage levels and supply outlook. 

Melbourne’s Annual Water Outlook – March 2026 Update 

This update reflects current storage levels and recent conditions. We will continue to provide quarterly updates throughout the year.

Data as at 1 March 2026: 

• Melbourne’s storages are currently at 69.6 %. 
• Over the past 3 months, from 1 December 2025 to 1 March 2026, Melbourne’s storages declined by 5.6% (102 billion litres). 
• Despite near-average rainfall over summer, Melbourne’s storages have experienced a steep decline over the past 12 months and are now 11.2% lower than the same time last year.   
• Residential water use was around 166 litres per person per day over the past 12 months, which is almost 2% lower than previous financial year (169 litres per person per day).  
• Over the past 24 months, Melbourne experienced some of the lowest rainfall and inflows on record – similar to the worst years of the Millennium Drought. 
• Permanent water-saving rules were introduced in 2011, and are always in place to help everyone use water wisely outdoors. 

Read the full March 2026 quarterly update: