Higher temperatures and demand strain Melbourne’s water supplies
As we finish our driest summer since 2013-14, Melbourne Water has released storage data revealing the impact of a run of warmer seasonal temperatures.
This year was also the fourth-warmest on record for all summers since 1910.
At the end of summer, Melburnians were using more drinking water at 1,606 million litres a day, which is a 5.5% jump compared to the same time last year, or 83 million litres per day higher compared to 2024.
“Preserving our drinking water supply is vital for Melbourne’s growth and prosperity,” said Melbourne Water Executive General Manager, Service Futures, Chris Brace.
“Melburnians are reminded that conserving drinking water as our city grows will protect our quality of life, and make sure that Melbourne remains an exceptional place to live today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
Melbourne’s water storages fell by 12.3% between February 2024 and February 2025, an annual decrease not seen since the peak of the Millenium Drought.
Meanwhile streamflow into our reservoirs last month was 33.1% below the last 30-year average, just 8.9 billion litres.
Low rainfall and streamflow at levels far below the 30-year average has resulted in Melbourne’s storage levels declining during 2024, and are now at their lowest point since 2022, and approximately 11% lower than at the start of 2023 and 2024.
“By conserving our drinking water, we can maximise its availability for the production of food, and energy, which contributes to decent work and economic growth.
“The water we save today is an investment in our future. By taking small steps now, we can make a significant impact on preserving our quality of life as our city grows.”
Permanent water saving rules are in place across Victoria, to help everyone use water more efficiently:
https://www.melbournewater.com.au/water-and-environment/saving-water/permanent-water-saving-rules-and-target-150
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