It is unlikely that water restrictions will be put in place in East Gippsland this summer.
According to East Gippsland Water’s latest Annual Water Outlook – which analyses rainfall and climate data to understand the likelihood of water supplies meeting demand – we’re likely to see some good periods of rain this summer.
East Gippsland Water’s coordinator water resources, Travis Sloan, said there is “a 45 to 60 per cent chance of above-median rainfall during this period, with 100 to 200 millimetres of rainfall forecast”.
“Under these conditions, it is unlikely that water restrictions will be required thi summer in any of our drinking water supply systems,” he said.
“We operate nine separate water supply systems, which source water from rivers and creeks and/or underground water (aquifers).
“Using the information available at the time of compiling the Annual Water Outlook, we predict our water storages to remain relatively full and within normal operating ranges over the coming six to 12
months.
Of course, extreme events such as bushfires in our catchments, or emergencies like major power outages or water contamination, could mean we need to put water restrictions in place to manage water demands.”
While water restrictions are unlikely in the near future, the longer-term outlook doesn’t present such a rosy picture.
The coming decades are forecast to bring higher temperatures, more hot days, less rainfall during cooler months, and
increases in extreme, short-duration rainfall events.
“Along with decreased rainfall during the cooler months, this trend towards lower relative humidity and generally higher temperatures increases the potential for water evapotranspiration (loss of water into
the atmosphere due to evaporation and increased plant transpiration), resulting in a reduction in stored water and streamflow,”
Mr Sloan said.
“Victoria’s climate will continue to be variable with wet years and dry years, against a background drying trend. With a warmer future and projections of declining water availability, we can expect more frequent and severe droughts.
That’s why it’s important for everyone to help conserve water, which includes complying with the Victorian Government’s Permanent Water Saving Rules.”
The Annual Water Outlook provides information on rainfall and streamflow outlooks and each town’s water demand.
The report showed that in the 12 months to September 2025, daily water use per person in East Gippsland towns typically remained within the target of less than 200 litres a day. While some towns were above the target, this is attributed to difficulties estimating peak holiday populations.
You can find the full report and details of current Permanent Water Saving Rules on East Gippsland Water’s website.
