Melbourne: Key findings

For the water account period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

  • Annual rainfall in the Melbourne region during 2023–24 was below average for the first time since 2018–19, primarily due to a lack of rain-bearing systems impacting the region between July and September.
  • Total storage volume in the Melbourne region decreased by 5.2% during the reporting year, finishing at 86.7% full on 30 June 2024, with storages recording the highest three-year average on record.
  • Water taken from surface water and groundwater resources for consumptive use in the Melbourne region was 506 GL, around 5% more than last year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

Rainfall icon

756 mm

12% below the average of 862 mm

Streamflow

Streamflow icon

above average

for most of the reporting year

Storage

Storage icon

86.7% full

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5.2% less than last year

Water use from all sources

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sources used in the Melbourne region. A total of 515 GL of water was used across the region in 2023-24. Surface water made up 97% of total water sourced., while groundwater accounted for 4% of the water sourced. No desalinated water was sourced during the reporting year.

Water supplied

Graph showing breakdown of water users in the Melbourne region. A total of 515 GL of water was supplied to users in 2023-24. The urban system accounted for 91% of total water supply, while 6% was for individual users. The remaining amount was supplied for the irrigation scheme.

Water status of water resources

Water availability

2,838 GL

surface water available in 2023-24

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31% less than last year

Water accessible

584 GL

total surface water and groundwater accessible in 2023-24

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slightly more than last year

Water taken

515 GL

total surface water and groundwater taken in 2023-24

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slightly more than last year