Melbourne experienced one of its driest winters in recent history, with rainfall across catchments down 11.2% compared to the 30-year average. Streamflows from January to June were the lowest on record, reaching just 45% of last year’s levels. Winter streamflows were also severely reduced — 60.6% lower than in 2024 — marking the lowest since the Millennium Drought in 2006.
As a result, water storage levels dropped by 0.8% (around 15 gigalitres), placing them at their lowest point for the end of winter since 2020. In response, the Victorian Desalination Plant has played a crucial role, supplying over 16 billion litres of water since July 1 — enough to meet Melbourne’s needs for approximately 20 days.
Chris Brace, Executive General Manager of Service Futures at Melbourne Water, emphasized the importance of community action:
“Desalination has been our winter lifeline, but we still need every Melburnian to play their part. Small actions like fixing leaks and shortening showers can save billions of litres.”
Despite brief rainfall from cold fronts, overall precipitation during June to August remained well below average. Dry soil conditions have further limited streamflow, raising concerns about future water availability unless spring brings significant rain. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a neutral to slightly wetter spring, but catchment recovery remains uncertain.
To support water conservation, permanent rules remain in effect across Greater Melbourne, including:
- Trigger nozzles for hand-held hoses
- Restricted watering hours (6 am–10 am)
- Limited use of water on hard surfaces
Melbourne Water encourages residents to adopt water-wise habits such as checking for leaks, upgrading to efficient fixtures, and installing rainwater tanks. Every litre saved helps build resilience against future dry spells.
(Source: Melbourne Water)