January 20th, 2026 STAGE 3 WATER RESTRICTIONS COMMENCING IN FOREST HILL
Stage 3 water restrictions will commence in the Forest Hill service region from Friday 23 January 2026.
Following the introduction of Stage 1 water restrictions in early November 2025, Central Highlands Water (CHW) has been closely monitoring groundwater levels, and water usage, to ensure there continues to be enough supply for customers, businesses and community users.
Dry conditions have persisted across Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Newlyn North, Smeaton, and Springmount. Groundwater recharge remains extremely low, and aquifer levels are comparable to the millennium drought.
CHW Managing Director Jeff Haydon said that moving to Stage 3 reflects the dry conditions across the region.
“I understand restrictions are challenging and impact everyone differently.
“We appreciate the efforts of customers across the Forest Hill region for the positive steps they have already taken to use water wisely” Mr Haydon said.
“Those efforts have made a difference; however, the continued dry conditions mean stronger measures are now required to protect essential water supplies. This is why the swift move from Stage 1 to Stage 3 restrictions is necessary.”
CHW will continue to closely monitor water levels, usage trends and weather patterns over the coming period.
“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.
Mr Haydon also encouraged households to stay mindful of their everyday water use.
“Small changes really do add up, shorter showers, fixing leaks promptly, using appliances with full loads, and avoiding watering during hotter parts of the day can all help reduce pressure on our supplies and lower household costs. We appreciate the efforts already being made across the community. Every drop counts.” Mr Haydon said.
Customers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Stage 3 water restrictions, which outline when and how water can be used during drier conditions. These measures are in place to help protect local water supplies and support the long-term sustainability of the Forest Hill region groundwater system. Find out more: chw.net.au/restrictions.
Key restrictions include:
- residential and commercial lawns cannot be watered
- gardens can only be watered on alternate days, from 6:00 am to 8:00 am, using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, bucket or watering can, or with a dripper watering system
- fountains or water features cannot be filled or topped up at any time
- cleaning and hosing down hard surfaces are restricted
- filling pools and spas is not permitted. Pools/spas can be topped up on alternate days between 6:00 am and 8:00 am with a hand-held hose, bucket or watering can, or automatic top-up device, or in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan
- washing vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, and registration plates, as well as removing corrosive substances, can be done at home using a bucket or watering can, or at a commercial car wash, and only where cleaning is required for health and safety reasons, safety hazard or other emergencies
By continuing to use water wisely and looking out for one another, the Forest Hill community can help safeguard local water resources and contribute to a more sustainable future for the region.
Long-term water security
CHW’s groundwater allocation in the Forest Hill region is currently operating under a 50 percent allocation for the 2025-26 season, as set by Goulburn-Murray Water’s Regional Groundwater Management Plan.
CHW is exploring options to improve the long-term security and reliability of water supply for communities in the Forest Hill region.
In 2025, funding was secured to investigate the Forest Hill Water Supply Connection Project, with opportunities to connect to the Ballarat water supply network currently being assessed. This future focused work will help deliver a more secure and climate resilient drinking water supply while reducing reliance on increasingly pressured groundwater systems.
Water saving efforts and community support CHW encourages residents to remain alert for water leaks to help protect local water supplies. Irregular lawn and scrub growth, and small puddles or pools of water without rain can indicate a leak.
The simplest and most effective way to have a leak resolved swiftly is to take a photo and report the suspected leak using the Snap Send Solve app.
