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 the use of recycled, reclaimed, rain or grey water except where it is supplemented in any way by drinking 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.

Water Restrictions lifted in Melbourne

From 1 December 2012, Melbourne will move to Permanent Water Use Rules (previously Stage 1 water restrictions). For further details, please visit the Permanent Water Use Rules page.

Water Outlook Framework

Melbourne water utilities referenced the 2012 Water Outlook framework to make the decision to lift water restrictions. The framework uses factors such as dam levels, weather and catchment conditions, and trends in demand to inform decisions on water supply and predict demand over the coming year.

For further details, you can download a copy of the Water Outlook for Melbourne:

Water Outlook for Melbourne (PDF~1.6MB)