quick find
Resources Search

Melbourne's water
storages are currently at:

41.9%

breakdown by reservoir

(you can click on each reservoir
for more information)

Thomson: 27.2%

Cardinia: 43.4%

Upper Yarra: 69.9%

Sugarloaf: 84.1%

Silvan: 88.9%

Tarago: 60.5%

Yan Yean: 54.6%

Greenvale: 66.6%

Maroondah: 100.0%

O'Shannassy: 100.0%

water restrictions

While two thirds of all people on Earth use less than 60 litres of water a day, the average Australian uses more than twice that amount during a single shower. In fact, Australians are among the biggest users of water in the world, especially around the home.

As the drought persists, and with every indication that our climate is changing, it is important that we continue to save water and conserve our precious drinking water.

Target 155

Target 155

Our dams are still low and we need to save water. We are asking everyone in Melbourne to get behind a water saving campaign that will reduce our water usage to less than 155 litres of water per day.

Did you know that one of the easiest ways to cut your water use is to install a water-efficient showerhead? Exchange your old showerhead for a free water-efficient showerhead from your water retailer.

Stage 3 water restrictions

Stage 3 water restrictions are currently in place for Melbourne. These restrictions help to save water while minimising the impact on businesses and community sporting facilities.

Read the Stage 3 Water restrictions fact sheet.

How are water restrictions managed?

Water restrictions are managed by Victoria's retail water companies and are based on special water restriction guidelines.

There are four main stages of restriction for water users in towns and cities. These range from Stage 1 (mild) to Stage 4 (severe). Restriction stages are triggered when the amount of water in our storage reservoirs falls to certain levels.

In Melbourne, the Victorian Government makes the decision to either lift or introduce water saving rules and restrictions. The government base their decision on information it receives from Melbourne Water and the metropolitan retail water businesses, City West Water, South East Water or Yarra Valley Water.

Water restrictions are reviewed every month. Weather forecasts, water consumption, seasonal factors, and rainfall in catchments are all taken into consideration.

As our extremely dry conditions continue, it is important that we continue to save water and conserve our precious drinking water supplies.

More information