2026 Water Outlook for Melbourne
Melbourne’s Annual Water Outlook 2026 shows water storages have dropped by 13.2% over the past year after record-low rainfall and higher water use.
Storages remain secure for now, thanks to desalinated water supporting the system – but it’s time for all of us to make every drop count.
You can read about it online in our annual Water Outlook 2026. The document is put together by Melbourne’s 4 metropolitan water authorities, including us, and reports on:
- The security of our city’s water supplies.
- The actions we’re taking as water retailers to ensure there’s water for everyone.
Melbourne's Water Outlook 2026 [accessible] (PDF, 6.6 MB)
Melbourne's Water Outlook 2026 [accessible] (Word, 4.5 MB)
Water Restriction By-law
Under the Water Act each water utility is required to manage water restriction rules under a By-law. Our By-law incorporates four stages of water restrictions and specifies what can and cannot be done when each stage of restriction is in place. If a stage of restriction is in place, it supersedes Permanent Water Saving Rules.
Water Restriction By-law (PDF, 518 KB)
Drought Preparedness Plan
The process for how water restriction decisions are made is contained in our Drought Preparedness Plan. The Drought Preparedness Plan ensures a timely and effective response to to water shortages with the aim of minimising social, economic and environmental impacts.
Drought Preparedness Plan (PDF, 5.2 MB)