Daily water storage levels (as at 8am each day) are added to the page between 2pm to 3pm on weekdays and 4pm to 5pm on weekends and public holidays.
For more information see our understanding water storage data page.
Note: graph below is indicative and not to scale.
Water is stored in reservoirs. We measure the water storage levels of our 10 reservoirs over a 24-hour period (8am-8am) every day. The data is then verified at the end of each week. We use this data to make sure that all our reservoir users – such as environment agencies, other water authorities and retailers – get access to the water they need. Sometimes this involves moving water from one reservoir to another.
Note that water from the Victorian Desalination Plant was contributing to our water storages; however, the order for 125 gigalitres for the 2019-20 financial year has been completed. In March, Water Minister Lisa Neville ordered another 125 GL for 2020-21.
For an overview of the daily amount contributed in March and April, see our desalination data. For more on how desalination contributes to securing our water supply, view our desalination page.
We’ve been collecting water storage data since 1940. We update this data at the end of every month. This data informs our long-term planning.
Select multiple years to see how water storage levels have changed over the years or view 'all years'.
Note: Full system storage volume has changed in the past. The current volume (1,812 GL) has applied since July 2010.
We record rainfall over a 24-hour period (8am-8am) at four of our water catchment areas. Water catchment areas include the land surrounding our reservoirs. The monthly average (ML) is based on the average from previous years.
This rainfall data has been verified. If you need to see the latest numbers, the rainfall and river level app has unverified data.
We monitor the amount of water that flows into our four major reservoirs, including river, stream and rainfall run-off.
We record daily flow into water storages over a 24-hour period (8am-8am). The weekly and monthly average (ML) is based on the average from previous years.
We monitor Melbourne’s daily water usage to ensure we continue to supply water for the growing population. This includes household and business usage, as well as Western Water’s non-metropolitan water supply.
We record Melbourne’s total daily water use over a 24-hour period (8am-8am). The daily average (ML) is the five-year average for the month. Each week we update the daily average per person and compare it with the previous week.
Install a rainwater tank. Capturing rainwater to use in your garden is an excellent way to reduce the amount of drinking water you use.
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Disclaimer
While all due skill and attention has been taken in collecting, validating and providing data, Melbourne Water Corporation shall not be liable in any way for loss of any kind including damages, costs, interest, loss of profits or special loss or damage, arising from any error, inaccuracy, incompleteness or other defect in this information.
In utilising this information the recipient acknowledges that Melbourne Water Corporation makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this information and the recipient should therefore carry out their own investigations if appropriate.