Apollo Bay water restrictions to lift in August

Rising water storage levels will see restrictions on coastal towns, in place for months, finally lifted.

Apollo Bay Basin with the Otway Ranges in the background. Picture: Barwon Water

Rising storage levels will see water restrictions on coastal towns, in place for months, finally lifted.

The towns of Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek will see a return to normal water saving rules for the first time since early April, with the current stage two restrictions to be lifted on August 1.

The restrictions were originally put in place after the area experienced its driest 12 month period in 86 years, and its second driest 12 months on record, between May 2024 and April 2025.

The dry spell saw water storage levels in the area reach as low as 20.4 per cent, before much-needed rainfall helped lift water storage levels back to about 68 per cent.

Barwon Water general manager of planning, delivery and environment Seamus Butcher said the increased storage levels paired with the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast of more rain was encouraging.

“We really appreciate the community for being efficient with their water use and thank them for their patience and understanding during this period,” Mr Butcher said.

“We’ve had a lot of positive interactions with customers and have been delighted by their willingness to embrace water-saving measures and identify areas of improvement.”

Residents of the region welcomed the news last month that they would be able to wash their cars and fill up their pools as stage three restrictions were downgraded to stage two on July 1.

Barwon Water will continue to monitor the weather forecast and longer-term recovery of supplies will continue through the traditional winter-spring filling season and beyond.

The region’s water authority conducted a number of water audits at homes and caravan parks in their mission to save water to replenish supplies.

The organisation also upgraded to new dual-flush cisterns and fixed other toilet leaks at the Apollo Bay Leisure Centre as well as providing water-efficient showerheads to the local Lions, for not-for-profit community housing.

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Originally published as Apollo Bay water restrictions to lift in August