Melbourne: Key findings
For the water account period 1 July 2016–30 June 2017
- Total annual rainfall was the highest in five years; surface water storage volumes increased by 8% from last year to 64% full.
- The increase in surface water availability and production of desalinated water for the first time, resulted in much less reliance on inter-region supply from the Thomson Reservoir to meet urban demand.
- Overall water use decreased from the previous year reflecting the improved rainfall conditions.
Climate and water
Rainfall
864 mm
slightly above the long-term average
Streamflow
above average
more than last year
Storage
64% full
8% more than last year
Water use
Water supplied
477,467 ML
urban system
91%
individual users
8%
inter-region
1%