Monthly Water Security Update

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Key Messages as at end of February 2026

  • During the summer months, water use is at its highest and rainfall is at its lowest.
  • As at the end of summer (28 February 2026), our primary water storage, Candowie Reservoir, is 56% full. This compares with 46.9% at the same time last year (2025).
  • Every drop of water we save today makes a big difference for our future water supplies. Let’s work together to be water wise and protect our drinking water.
  • We continue to monitor water resources carefully, and we will actively use the available water supply sources to manage demand where necessary.
  • Over the coming weeks, we’ll be using a blend of local water and water from the state’s water grid. Some customers may notice a slight change in taste which is common when water sources vary. Your water remains safe, high-quality, and fully compliant with all drinking water standards.
  • During droughts or extended periods of low rainfall, it’s vital that we conserve our water supplies so that we can be prepared, no matter what the future holds.
  • We’re doing what we can to get drought ready! You can help by following the Permanent Water Saving Rules and making some simple changes, like taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and using our water wisely.
  • Permanent Water Saving Rules are in place across the Victoria every day of the year. These simple, common-sense rules aim to ensure that we all use drinking water wisely to reduce waste and ensure we’re doing our part to safeguard it for generations to come.
  • The Rules focus on outdoor water use and apply only to drinking water – not greywater, rainwater, bore water, or recycled water.
    • HOSES – Hoses must be leak free with a trigger nozzle for all uses, including washing cars and gardens. Trigger nozzles ensure less water is wasted.
    • GARDEN WATERING – Home and commercial gardens can only be watered between 6pm and 10am, if using watering systems. This avoids the hottest part of the day when water wastage occurs due to evaporation. You can water gardens at any time using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering can or bucket.
    • HARD SURFACES – Water must not be used to clean hard surfaces such as concrete, paths and driveways. Swapping to a broom will save a lot of water from being washed down the drain.
    • PUBLIC GREEN SPACES – Public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces (e.g. bowling greens, sporting ovals and pitches) can be watered – by a sprinkler or watering system fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor between 6 pm and 10 am.
    • FOUNTAINS AND WATER FEATURES – Must recirculate the water.

ENDS