2 July, 2025
Goulburn Valley Water is calling on the Mansfield community to save water as ongoing dry conditions and high-water use have reduced storage levels in recent months.
The town’s water storages, supplied from the Delatite River, are currently at 45%, compared to 97% at the same time last year.
Managing Director, Steve Capewell, said Mansfield’s storage levels are being monitored, following below-average rainfall in summer and autumn and increased water usage in the town.
“We are concerned that if the town keeps using water at this rate, our storages won’t be able to recover in time for summer when demand traditionally spikes,” Dr Capewell said.
“As such, we are asking residents, businesses and visitors across Mansfield to reduce their water use.”
Goulburn Valley Water is urging everyone to continue following the Permanent Water Saving Rules, which are designed to encourage efficient water use:
• Sprinklers and watering systems can only be used between 6pm and 10am
• Leak free hoses can be used at any time but they must be fitted with a trigger nozzle
• Use a broom or a blower to clean hard surfaces like pathways, decks, concrete, ordriveways
• Vehicles can be cleaned any time using a bucket or leak free hose with a trigger nozzle
• Fountains and water features must recirculate water.
People are also being encouraged to look for additional ways to reduce water use inside, as well as in gardens.
By making simple changes, such as taking shorter showers, only running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads, and using tap timers when watering gardens, customers can significantly lower their water use.
Residential demand accounts for most of the water use across the Goulburn Valley Water region, meaning household changes can have a big collective impact.
Water demand this year in Mansfield is up approximately 33%, compared to the previous two-year average from January to May.
If storages do not recover in coming months, there may be the need for water restrictions later in the year.
“If we see a strong community response to reducing demand, it will take pressure off our water storages.” Dr Capewell said.
“We know from experience that communities respond best when encouraged to make positive changes, rather than being subject to restrictions. We’re confident that Mansfield will get behind this effort and prove we can all take action to save water.”
For weekly updates on Mansfield storage levels and water use visit www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/storages