Water restrictions ease for seven towns north of Ballarat
Seven towns move from stage three to stage two water restrictions after strong winter rainfall.
Residents in Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Newlyn North, Smeaton and Springmount have been living under harsh stage three restrictions since January, unable to water lawns, wash cars or fill water features.
The restrictions lift on October 27 after groundwater bores recovered thanks to above-average winter rainfall and upgrades to the Forest Hill Water Treatment Plant. In June and August, Smeaton recorded 150.6mm and 156.6mm of rain respectively, well above Ballarat's 116mm and 128mm.
Community conservation efforts made the difference too: residents cut water use by 33 per cent between December 2025 and April 2026. Water storage levels in Ballarat are now 73 per cent full, up from 50 per cent last year.
- 7 towns north of Ballarat
- Towns affected
- January 2026
- Restrictions start date
- 33 per cent December 2025 to April 2026
- Water use reduction
- 150.6mm vs Ballarat 116mm
- Smeaton rainfall June
Why it mattersResidents can now resume normal lawn watering and car washing after ten months of severe cuts.
AustraliaRegional Victoria faces recurring water pressure during dry seasons, making rainfall recovery critical for community resilience and household costs.
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