Statements
Water Restrictions – Orford & Triabunna
Water restrictions are now in effect for Orford and Triabunna.
Media release – TasWater, 2 February 2026
Orford and Triabunna Stage 1 Water Restrictions Now in Place
Stage 1 water restrictions are now in effect for Orford and Triabunna, as dry conditions and peak summer demand continue to put pressure on local water supplies.
Under the restrictions, TasWater is asking residents and visitors to reduce non-essential water use by 20 per cent so there is enough water available for essential needs.
The restrictions start today and will remain in place until further notice.
TasWater Acting Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner said several other catchments were also being monitored.
“We are asking residents and visitors to Coles Bay, Lady Barron, Launceston and Scamander to be mindful of their water use, as without adequate rainfall water restrictions may need to be introduced,” Mrs Hafner said.
“We always encourage Tasmanians, no matter where they live, to conserve water and ‘Save Our Thing’. We are encouraging every Tasmanian to save just 10 litres of water per person per day.
TasWater’s interactive Water Supply Status webpage provides regular updates on water levels and system performance across Tasmania. This tool helps residents stay informed and make responsible choices based on local conditions.
Media Release – TasWater, 20 February 2026
Water restrictions escalate on East Coast amid ongoing low rainfall
Stage 2 water restrictions will come into effect for Orford and Triabunna from Friday, 27 February, as ongoing dry conditions continue to reduce water levels at Prosser Dam.
TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner said continued low rainfall and declining dam levels had made it necessary to escalate restrictions on the state’s East Coast.
“Stage 1 restrictions have been in place at Orford and Triabunna since 2 February, but continued declining levels at Prosser Dam, and well below average rainfall this year have contributed to the need for escalation,” Mrs Hafner said.
“Stage 2 water restrictions aim to reduce non-essential water use by 50 per cent by encouraging more conscious use of water.
“These restrictions are focused outside of the home and include changes such as allocated days for watering gardens and sports grounds, and with the watering of lawns no longer permitted.
“This will mean a change to the routines of some residents, but these changes will significantly boost the amount of water available in the system.”
More details about stage 2 restrictions can be found here: Water restriction guidelines | TasWater
Mrs Hafner said TasWater constantly monitors local conditions.
“Once we’ve seen consistent rain and stronger river flows, we will move to lift restrictions,” she said.
“For now, limiting use will help us ensure water is available when residents, visitors and businesses turn on their taps.”Tasmanians can all play our part in saving ‘our thing’ now and for the future.
“There is a common misconception that Tasmania has an inexhaustible supply of water. But that supply is vulnerable to the changing climate and our state’s growing population,” Mrs Hafner said.
“We have been asked by the community to play a greater role in conservation education. We are here to help everyone play an active role in water-saving solutions. Using less water now helps protect local supplies while longer-term infrastructure upgrades continue.”
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