Storages slump, desal flows to support Geelong

A sharp drop in Geelong’s water storages has prompted a major desalinated water order to help top up supplies.

The Victorian government has ordered 150 billion litres of drinking water from the Victorian Desalination Plant in Wonthaggi after what it says is the steepest annual decline in storage levels since the 2009 Millennium Drought.

Geelong’s storage levels have fallen to 37.5 per cent, down from 41.4 per cent at this time last year.

The region ended 2025 at its lowest water storage levels in 16 years.

Minister for Water Gayle Tierney said the move was about maintaining supply and avoiding restrictions.

“We will continue to invest in projects that maintain high-quality, reliable, and affordable drinking water supplies across Victoria,” she said.

The desalination plant has become a regular part of Victoria’s water supply, delivering large-scale orders in eight of the past 10 years.

Last year it supplied 50 billion litres, with this year’s 150 billion litre order equivalent to about one-third of Melbourne’s annual demand.

Water from the plant helps bolster Melbourne’s storages while supporting supply to regional centres including Geelong.

In February, as dry conditions persisted, Barwon Water urged residents to be conscious of their water habits.

“Everything that makes our region a great place to live and visit, depends on a healthy, safe and reliable water supply,” managing director Shaun Cumming said.

“We can all make a difference by making simple changes, such as taking shorter showers, washing clothes and dishes with full loads, and not watering the garden in the heat of the day.

“While we continue to invest in increasing the capacity of our system, small actions in our households all add up and held keep our water storages sustainable.”

Permanent water saving rules are in place in the Barwon region. For more information, head to barwonwater.vic.gov.au