Melbourne’s Annual Water Outlook report provides an overview of Greater Melbourne’s water situation, including information on storage levels, how much water is being used, and water restriction forecasts.
It brings together data and analysis from Greater Western Water, Melbourne Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water to help us and our customers plan and conserve water effectively.
The Melbourne Water Outlook 2026 report is available below.
Melbourne Water Outlook Quarterly Updates
While dry conditions continue, quarterly updates will be published at the end of each season including an overview of system storage levels, customer water use and the likelihood of restrictions.
These updates will be provided in March, June and September.
March 2026 Update
Despite near-average rainfall over summer, Melbourne’s storages have continued to decline driven by prolonged hot, dry conditions, low inflows and high household use.
Summary of key points:
Melbourne’s water storages were at 69.6% on 1 March 2026 which is 11.2% (203.8 billion litres) lower than this time last year.
From 1 December 2025 to 1 March 2026, storages declined by 5.6% or 102 billion litres.
Household water use remains high at 166 litres per person per day, exceeding Target 150, which encourages households to use no more than 150 litres per person per day.
Last year’s 50 billion litre desalinated water order has been supporting the Melbourne system and slowing the decline.
Local Greater Western Water storages
Drinking water in the northwest of our service region comes from local creeks, reservoirs and bores (groundwater), supplemented by water from the Melbourne system.
Local storages have declined by 11.6% since 1 December 2025.
The full March update is available below.
We can all make every drop count by taking simple steps to saving water, including following Victoria’s Permanent Water Saving Rules all year round:
Sprinklers and watering systems can only run between 6pm and 10am
Hand-held hoses must be leak-free and fitted with a trigger nozzle
Hard surfaces, such as driveways and decks, most not be hosed – use a broom instead
Fountains and water features must recirculate water.
