Melbourne’s Annual Water Outlook 2025 shows that water storage levels are expected to remain secure for the year ahead.
Although water restrictions are not expected for Greater Melbourne over the next 12 months, permanent water saving rules continue to apply, and we all need to make every drop count.
Current storages remain high, sitting at 88.4% (down 6.6% from the same time last year). Inflows during 2023–2024 into Melbourne’s four storages were slightly above the 30-year average. However, storages in the western region are facing increased pressure during hot weather and our neighbouring area, Geelong, saw well below-average rainfall and dry conditions.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s outlook El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently neutral, but warmer and slightly wetter conditions are forecast.
Despite recent average and wet periods, we know Melbourne will continue to experience dry years ahead. Annual orders of desalinated water, when needed, help keep our storages high, providing a buffer against dry conditions and a variable climate.
In the past 12 months, Melbourne’s population has grown by around 140,000 and is set to continue growing. As both our population and water needs grow, sustained investment in water and sewerage infrastructure is critical to ensure that all communities have reliable access to the essential services they rely on.
The water sector continues planning to add new climate resilient water sources to Melbourne’s system and rapidly growing surrounding regions to meet future demands.
Melbourne’s annual water outlook is a collaboration between Greater Western Water, Melbourne Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water, who come together to assess Greater Melbourne’s current water use and demand, and project any potential impacts on supplies for the coming year.
Speaking on behalf of Melbourne’s water corporations, Greater Western Water Managing Director, Maree Lang emphasised the need to remain vigilant, despite the current high storage levels.
“Our water storages are secure right now, but with demand for water growing, and warmer and drier conditions expected in the longer term, the water sector continues to think outside-the-box to find ways to reduce reliance on precious drinking water and add new sources to our supplies,” Ms Lang said.
Ms Lang also reiterated the importance of everyone playing their part, noting Melburnians used slightly more water at home this year—163 litres per person per day, compared to 161 litres for the previous year.
“For each of us, it’s important to aim for 150 litres of water per person per day to help keep our supplies secure now and into the future,” Ms Lang said.
