New restrictions
Stage Two water restrictions will take effect in the north eastern towns of Euroa and Violet Town from next Wednesday 28 May.
Goulburn Valley Water has determined the measures are needed to protect declining water supplies until levels recover, after local water storage levels fell below 20% this month.
Stage Three water restrictions are already in place in the Great Ocean Road towns of Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek.
The measures took effect earlier this month after storage levels dropped below 26%, compared to more than 96% at the same time the previous year.
Barwon Water moved the towns from Stage Two to Stage Three restrictions earlier this month, to reduce the impact of ongoing dry conditions.
Dry conditions statewide
The restrictions follow Victoria experiencing its hottest 12 months on record and very low rainfall in parts of the state.
Average water storage levels across the state are at 58%, compared to 83% at the same time last year.
Victoria is expected to see average to below-average rainfall this winter, meaning less water flowing into water storages.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) continues to monitor water storage levels across Victoria to ensure sustainable water use.
Its reporting and data collection helps determine when restrictions are needed. DEECA works closely with water corporations, which introduce restrictions when required, based on local conditions.
Securing water supplies
Water restrictions sit within the wider strategy to safeguard Victoria’s water supplies.
To help address declining water storages, the Victorian Government ordered 50 billion litres of desalinated water from the Victorian Desalination Plant in April.
The high-quality drinking water will flow into storages from July, boosting Melbourne water supplies and supplementing water storages in Geelong and South Gippsland.
Desalinated water along with water efficiency programs, recycled water and stormwater harvesting, are part of the Victorian Government’s strategic approach to ensure we have reliable water supplies into the future.
Permanent water saving rules are in place across Victoria. More details on the rules and different levels of water restrictions can be found here: Permanent water saving rules.
Page last updated: 21/05/25