Cities and towns

Cities and Towns

Water is an essential service, providing drinking water and underpinning human health. Cities and towns are the biggest water users in the region, with 90 per cent of Victorians relying on the region for their drinking water.

While the demand for water in our cities and towns is growing, the availability of water in our rivers is declining. Water supplies may need to double over the next 50 years to meet demand.

The Strategy will continue to focus on water efficiency to reduce the demand for water and save money on water bills. A new Target 150 campaign will encourage Melburnians to reduce their water use to 150 litres per person per day.

Planning will begin on regionally significant manufactured water supply options. This includes fit-for-purpose recycled water, treated stormwater and desalinated water.

By planning now ahead of a crisis, we will keep water bills affordable and ensure our cities and towns have new water supplies ready as needed.

Meeting the significant needs of our cities and towns is undertaken by urban water corporations and documented in their urban water strategies. Across the region, there are eight urban water strategies, with a single one completed for Greater Melbourne.

To find out more:

• Read Chapter 2 of the Strategy: Using water efficiently
• Read Chapter 3 of the Strategy: Transitioning to manufactured water
• Reach Chapter 9 of the Strategy: A new approach to planning and delivering water supplies
• Read about Urban Water Strategies