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Melbourne's water
storages are currently at:
34.5%
breakdown by reservoir
(you can click on each reservoir
for more information)
Thomson: 21.4%
Cardinia: 34.4%
Upper Yarra: 66.0%
Sugarloaf: 60.2%
Silvan: 87.7%
Tarago: 57.6%
Yan Yean: 29.9%
Greenvale: 72.1%
Maroondah: 86.3%
O'Shannassy: 77.0%
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.
On this page:
Target 155
Our dams are still low and we need to save water. We are asking everyone in Melbourne to get behind a new water saving campaign to reduce our water usage to less than 155 litres of water per day.
Target 155, combined with current Stage 3a water restrictions will achieve similar water savings to Stage 4 restrictions. It will also offer our community greater flexibility on how to achieve the target.
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 3a water restrictions still apply
Stage 3a water restrictions are currently in place for Melbourne.
Stage 3a is the second phase of Stage 3 water restrictions and has been introduced due to low rainfall over the summer of 2006-2007.
Stage 3a helps to save water while minimising the impact on businesses and community sporting facilities.
Why were Stage 3a water restrictions introduced?
The introduction of Stage 3a water restrictions reduces the possibility of moving to Stage 4 restrictions. By doing this, we are minimise the impact on businesses such as garden centres and car washes affected by water restrictions, protecting jobs and allowing community activities such as sport to continue. However, if our storage levels decline considerably, we may need to implement tougher restrictions.
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 continues, it is important that we continue to save water and conserve our precious drinking water supplies.