Water Outlook

See Melbourne’s water outlook for the year ahead: 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.

The Water Outlook is developed collaboratively by Melbourne Water, Greater Western Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water due to the shared nature of Melbourne’s water sources. It is based on storage levels in Melbourne’s water supply system as of late November each year, taking into account factors like rainfall, water orders from the Victorian Desalination Plant, and water conservation behaviours.

Melbourne’s water outlook at a glance

Outlook for 2024

Melbourne’s water storages are secure for the year ahead. Storages are high now, sitting at 95.0%, but can fall very quickly in dry conditions.

Melbourne’s water outlook cover image

At a glance:

    • Water storage levels are secure for the year ahead. Storages are high now, sitting at 95.0%, but can fall very quickly in dry conditions.
    • Current storage levels are high due to above-average rainfall and inflows into catchments over the past three years. Recent wet years have offered some short-term relief from a longer-term dry trend.
    • Melbourne’s annual water use exceeds natural flows into our storages by 50–70 billion litres. Over time this deficit will continue to grow.
    • Although water restrictions aren’t expected for Greater Melbourne over the next 12 months, permanent water saving rules will continue to apply and we all need to make every drop count.

    Download the Water Outlook

    For an in-depth look at these issues, download the Water Outlook:

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