Melbourne: Key findings

For the water account period 01 July 2022 - 30 June 2023

  • Total annual rainfall was above average for the fourth consecutive year, with the region experiencing its wettest year since 2010-11.
  • End-of-year storage volume increased by five percentage points, finishing at 92% full by 30 June 2023 - the highest end-of-year storage volume for the region on record.
  • Water taken from surface water and groundwater resources for consumptive use was 487 GL, slightly more than last year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

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1,057 mm

23% above the average of 861 mm

Streamflow

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highest on record

for most sites

Storage

Storage icon

92% full

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5% more than last year

Water use from all sources

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sources used in the Melbourne region. A total of 503 GL of water was used in the region in 2022-23. Surface water made up 95% of total water sourced. Desalinated water made up 1% and groundwater 4% of the water sourced.

Water supplied

Graph showing breakdown of water users in the Melbourne region. A total of 503 GL of water was supplied to users in 2022-23. 91% of total water supply was for the urban system. 8% was for individual users and 1% was for the irrigation scheme.

Water status of water resources

Water availability

4,108 GL

surface water available in 2022-23

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39% more than last year

Water accessible

554 GL

total surface water and groundwater accessible in 2022-23

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slightly more than last year

Water taken

498 GL

total surface water and groundwater taken in 2022-23

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slightly more than last year