Monday, February 17, 2025
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Water supply in strong position

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MELBOURNE’S water storage levels are currently above 91 per cent thanks to above-average rainfall and three consecutive La Nina events.

Based on water storage levels, projected weather patterns and demand, it was last week announced that there is no requirement for a desalination order this year.

The decision follows consultation with water corporations Greater Western Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water and will ensure households do not face additional charges on their water bills in the coming year.

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Minister for Water Harriet Shing said despite the increase in water stored, it was still important to consider future storage levels to maintain water security.

“While above-average rainfall means an order of water is not required this year, our desalination plant is a critical part of our long-term water supply – we keep our water storages as high as possible to protect water security in the future,” she said.

“We are acting on the best advice about our water resource position – adapting to the very rare occurance of three successive La Nina events and the wet conditions we’ve experienced over the past three years.”

Demand from rainfall-dependent water sources already exceeds supply, with residents currently using 50 to 70 gigalitres more water each year than what flows into storages while the desalination plant has provided around 25 per cent of storage capacity since 2016.

In a severe drought, storage levels can drop by 20 per cent in a year and requires careful management of the current water supply to avoid significant water restrictions.

The desalination plant is part of a long-term water strategy that helps to avoid water shortages and social and economic impacts of water restrictions on households, businesses and farmers.

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