Water restrictions are managed by Victoria’s urban water corporations and are applied across Victoria based on the Uniform Drought Water Restriction Guidelines.

This section provides a summary of the key restrictions that may be in place for urban water users under the various stages of restriction, Stage 1 (mild) to Stage 4 (severe).

While all restriction policies are based on the uniform guidelines, there may be minor variations in the details to account for local conditions. Please check with your local water corporation for information on water restrictions that may be in place in your area.

Restrictions are only applicable to customers on a reticulated supply. These restrictions do not apply to customers using rainwater or bore water.

Water corporations may grant exemptions from restrictions for those with special needs, and have principles in place to ensure the consistent treatment of exemption applications. Exemptions from water restrictions may be applied for through your local water corporation.

Melbourne water restrictions eased to Stage 1

From 1 December 2011, Melbourne’s water restrictions will move to Stage 1 (previously Stage 2). For further details, please visit the Stage 1 water restrictions Melbourne page.

Model Water Restriction By-law

On 27 November 2011, the Minister for Water issued a Model Water Restriction By-law for potential adoption by regional urban water corporations.

The Model Water Restriction By-law issued is the result of a comprehensive, state wide review conducted to reflect water industry learnings and community feedback over the past five years. The Model Water Restriction By-law will form the basis of future water restriction by-laws for the regional urban water corporations across Victoria.