Victoria's major water storages remain healthy despite a dryer then average year thanks to consecutive years of high rainfall and investments by the Allan Labor Government into securing Victoria's water supply.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing has released the Annual Water Outlook which provides the latest information on the conditions of each water supply system across the state and a 12 month water forecast.
While most of Victoria's major water storages are in good condition averaging 80.1 percent capacity, levels are down 13.6 percent compared to this time last year with statewide winter rainfall the lowest recorded since 2006.
These declines are an important reminder that we can't take water security for granted.
South-West Victoria has experienced extremely dry conditions over the past 12 to 18 months.
Total storage levels across regional Victoria's major water storages are at 78.7 percent capacity, down 14.8 per cent compared to this time last year.
Melbourne's storages are healthy at 88.4 percent, 6.7 percent lower than this time last year.
The decline in storage shows that demand in Melbourne exceeds supply, despite inflows into Melbourne's four major storages being 5 percent above the 30-year average.
Although supplies are secure in the short-term, the annual outlook shows just how fast they can drop during hot and dry periods and is a reminder that using water wisely now reduces the chances of needing water restrictions in the future.
The landmark Western Port Recycled Water Scheme will within 5 years provide 4,000 megalitres of recycled water to one of Australia's fastest growing areas and most productive vegetable growing regions in Cardina Shire reducing demand on drinking water supplies.
Since 2016, the Victorian Desalination Plant has delivered 455 billion litres of desalinated water - the equivalent of more than double the Upper Yarra Reservoir or 25 percent of our total storage capacity.
The Desalination Plant is part of the state's long-term water strategy to ensure Victorians, businesses, and farmers can continue to have access to a secure water supply.
For more information, visit water.vic.gov.au/our-programs.
As stated by Minister for Water Harriet Shing
"Although our water supplies are secure in the short-term, supply and demand will continue to be closely managed in the face of a changing climate and population growth."
"As Melbourne continues to grow so too does the need for water and this means planning for future demand to help protect our precious drinking water supplies."
