Community encouraged to be water conscious

With household use increasing over the peak summer period by up to 25 per cent, further pressure is now being placed on the region’s storages.

Geelong’s water storages ended the 2025 calendar year at a 16-year low, with the region continuing to be impacted by dry conditions.

The reservoirs that make up Geelong’s system closed out 2025 at a combined capacity of just 47.2 per cent.

It is the lowest level seen at the end of a year since 2009, when Geelong was in the grip of the Millenium Drought and battling severe and long-running water restrictions.

Geelong’s storages sat at 44.2 per cent on 20 January 2026.

An extended dry period, impacting catchments on both the Moorabool and Barwon rivers, is providing an ongoing challenge.

The lowest amount of rainfall over a two-year period this century was recorded at 3 key areas - Bostock, West Barwon and Wurdee Boluc - across 2024 and 2025.

Despite the lack of rain, Barwon Water has stabilised storages by drawing from an inter-connected network with multiple supply options, including the recently upgraded Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline and the Anglesea borefield.

The pipeline's capacity was increased from 16 billion litres to 22 billion litres in a $40m upgrade, completed late last year.

This means up to 60 per cent of Geelong’s peak demand can be met through the pipeline alone, which draws from the Melbourne water supply system.

A 50 billion litre water order from the Victorian Desalination Plant last year boosted water security.

A range of other water-saving programs and smart initiatives, including an uplift in the use of recycled water, are alleviating demand for drinking water supplies.

Barwon Water Acting Managing Director Mel Stephens said community members are encouraged to be conscious of their water habits and to make every drop count.

“Everyone has a role to play in saving water,” Ms Stephens said.

“Using water wisely and taking simple measures to save water around the home can help make a significant difference across the region.

“Simple actions like shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and watering the garden in the cool of the day, can help save water.”

Barwon Water also has a range of rebates and grants available for residential and business customers to help save water. www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/water-and-waste/saving-water

Our region is growing, and more people need to share our water. Permanent Water Saving Rules help all of us use water wisely and reduce demand. www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/water-and-waste/saving-water

Geelong water storages – end of the year

2025 - 47.2%

2024 - 55.2%

2023 - 82.4%

2022 - 95.4%

2021 - 92.2%

Background:

The Victorian Government released the long-term Water Security Plan for Greater Melbourne, Geelong and parts of Gippsland in 2025.

The plan lists potential initiatives that will be subject to more detailed investigation.

These include a potential expansion of desalinated water capacity and using more stormwater and recycled water for non-drinking purposes.

www.water.vic.gov.au/our-programs/water-monitoring-and-reporting/water-security-plan