Stage 3 water restrictions have commenced across the Forest Hill service area from Friday 23 January, as groundwater levels fell to conditions comparable with the Millennium Drought.

Central Highlands Water (CHW) says it has been monitoring aquifer levels and water use since Stage 1 restrictions were introduced in early November. Dry conditions have persisted across Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Newlyn North, Smeaton and Springmount, with very little groundwater recharge.

CHW managing director Jeff Haydon said the move straight from Stage 1 to Stage 3 reflected the severity of the situation.

“I understand restrictions are challenging and impact everyone differently,” Mr Haydon said.

“We appreciate the efforts of customers across the Forest Hill region for the positive steps they have already taken to use water wisely. Those efforts have made a difference; however, the continued dry conditions mean stronger measures are now required to protect essential water supplies.”

Mr Haydon said groundwater systems recover slowly and even good rainfall would not produce an immediate improvement.

“Groundwater responds very slowly to rainfall, so we cannot expect a quick recovery. This is why local support is so essential while groundwater resources remain under pressure,” he said.

Under Stage 3 restrictions:

  • Residential and commercial lawns cannot be watered.
  • Gardens can only be watered on alternate days between 6am and 8am using a hand-held hose with trigger nozzle, a bucket or watering can, or a dripper system.
  • Fountains and water features cannot be filled or topped up.
  • Hosing down hard surfaces is restricted.
  • Pools and spas cannot be filled, and may only be topped up on alternate days between 6am and 8am.
  • Vehicle cleaning at home is limited to safety-related washing using a bucket or watering can, or at a commercial car wash.

CHW says households can help by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks promptly, running appliances only with full loads, and avoiding watering during the hottest part of the day.

The water authority is also investigating longer-term solutions. Groundwater allocations for the Forest Hill region are currently set at 50 per cent for the 2025–26 season under Goulburn-Murray Water’s management plan.

Funding has been secured to investigate a possible connection to the Ballarat water supply network, aimed at improving long-term reliability and reducing reliance on stressed groundwater systems.

Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the full Stage 3 restrictions and to report suspected leaks. Further information is available on the Central Highlands Water website.

This article is based on a media release from Central Highlands Water.