General News
16 January, 2026
CHW release water outlook
The 2025 Annual Water Out-look has been released, high-lighting the impact of a dry two years across the region.
The prevalence of dry conditions over the past two years has resulted in most Central Highlands Water (CHW) storage levels declining.
In the Ballarat catchment, rainfall for the 12-months leading up to the end of September 2025 was the lowest on record for the corresponding period. This has resulted in very dry soil conditions and inflows are expected to remain low throughout summer.
Despite dry conditions and storage levels generally declining, CHW’s water supply systems remain within their typical operating range.
While the likelihood of reaching water restriction triggers for most areas is low, Forest Hill is currently on stage one restrictions, and other communities may require water restrictions within the next 12 months.
Major water systems for Ballarat, Maryborough and Daylesford are diversified supplies, with multiple sources of water available. Ongoing dry conditions has reduced Ballarat reservoirs to 54 percent of total capacity.
Surface water storages at Mary-borough are currently 75 percent full and Daylesford is at full capacity.
While the likelihood of water restrictions remains low in these systems, the warmer summer period typically sees higher water usage and a steady decline in reservoir levels.
CHW is encouraging residents across the region to use water wisely and refresh their water conservation knowledge through the Permanent Water Saving Rules (PWSR).
The PWSR are a set of common-sense rules that apply year-round to help everyone save water. The key rules include:
• Handheld hoses can be used at any time but must be fitted with a trigger nozzle and be leak free.
• Vehicles can be cleaned at any time with a bucket or a handheld hose.
• A residential garden or lawn can be watered using a handheld hose, bucket or watering can at any time.
• A residential watering system can be used between 6 pm and 10 am on any day.