News Brief: Victoria Faces Widespread Water Restrictions
Summary
Victoria’s water storage levels have dropped significantly to 61% capacity, a 19% decrease from last year, due to below-average rainfall in 2025. The state’s Annual Water Outlook warns of increased likelihood for urban water restrictions across most of Victoria by the end of 2026, potentially the first major restrictions since the Millennium Drought.
Key Points
- Storage Decline: Statewide water storage is at 61%, down 19% year-on-year. Melbourne’s storages fell 12% to 76%.
- Dry Conditions: Most of Victoria, especially the north-west and central regions, recorded below-average rainfall in 2025.
- Restrictions Likely: Melbourne and major regional cities could face water restrictions by 2026. Some regional towns are already at high risk.
- Increased Consumption: Daily water use in Melbourne rose to 169 litres per person, the highest since 2007, while inflows into dams were low.
- Dry Summer Forecast: The Bureau of Meteorology predicts below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures for summer.
- Permanent Rules: Permanent water-saving rules are in place (e.g., trigger nozzles on hoses, restricted watering times). Authorities urge public conservation efforts.
- Future Demand: Modelling suggests Victoria will need an extra 95 billion litres of water annually within the next decade, even with the desalination plant at full capacity.
新闻简报：维多利亚州可能面临广泛用水限制
总结
由于2025年降雨量低于平均水平，维多利亚州的储水量已显著下降至总容量的61%，较去年下降了19%。该州的年度水展望报告警告，到2026年底，维多利亚州大部分地区城市实施用水限制的可能性增加，这可能是自千禧年干旱以来的首次重大限制。
关键点
- 储水量下降：全州储水量为61%，同比下降19%。墨尔本的储水量下降12%至76%。
- 干旱条件：2025年，维多利亚州大部分地区，尤其是西北部和中部地区，降雨量低于平均水平。
- 可能实施限制：墨尔本和主要区域性城市可能在2026年前面临用水限制。一些乡镇已处于高风险状态。
- 用水量增加：墨尔本人均日用水量升至169升，为2007年以来最高，而水库流入量却很低。
- 夏季干旱预报：澳大利亚气象局预测夏季降雨量将低于平均水平，气温将高于平均水平。
- 永久性节水规定：已实施永久性节水规则（例如，软管必须配备触发式喷嘴、限制浇水时间）。当局敦促公众节约用水。
- 未来需求：模型预测，即使海水淡化厂满负荷运行，未来十年内维多利亚州每年仍需要额外950亿升水。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-27/urban-water-restrictions-likely-across-victoria-dam-levels-drop/106181336