Media Release – TasWater, 20 April 2026
Stage One Water Restrictions for Oatlands
Due to a combination of a lack of rainfall, reduced water storage levels, and minimal rain forecasted, stage one water restrictions will be introduced in Oatlands from next Monday, 27 April.
As a result of the restrictions, TasWater is asking residents and visitors to reduce non-essential water use so there is enough water available for essential needs.
TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner said stage one restrictions aim to reduce non-essential water use by 20 per cent by encouraging more conscious use of water.
“With a lack of medium to long term forecasted rainfall, we are calling on the community to reduce their water usage,” Mrs Hafner said.
“Conditions have been very dry across the state over summer, leading to higher water usage, and despite recent showers, the outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts dryer than average conditions over the coming months.
“Stage 1 restrictions are a simple way to help protect local supplies through the time of highest demand.
“As a state, we use more water per household than most of the country – giving us a real opportunity to lead the way in water-wise habits. Small changes to water usage, like taking shorter showers and using the half-flush on the toilet, all add up to have an impact on water supplies across the state.
“We’re also asking locals to remind visiting friends and family to follow the restrictions.”
The restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
Ongoing dry conditions have also seen two catchments across the state move closer to restrictions trigger levels. Those systems are Greater Launceston and Whitemark.
Lady Barron on Flinders Island and Scamander remain on stage one restrictions and, unless significant rainfall occurs in the coming weeks, Orford and Triabunna may face stage three restrictions shortly.
“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,” Mrs Hafner said.
Media Release – TasWater, 20 April 2026
Stage Three Water Restrictions for Orford and Triabunna
With continuing dry conditions across the East Coast, and no significant rainfall on the medium and long-term forecasts, the towns of Orford and Triabunna will see stage three water restrictions begin from Monday, 27 April.
TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner said the decision to implement stage three restrictions for the two towns was not made lightly.
“We appreciate the efforts the communities in Orford and Triabunna have already made in reducing water usage over the previous months, but unfortunately we are left with no option but to increase restrictions further,” Mrs Hafner said.
“Orford and Triabunna’s water is fed from the Upper and Lower Prosser dams, which are under extreme pressure during this period of minimal rainfall. The Upper Prosser Dam currently sits at 18 per cent capacity and is facing further drops unless significant rainfall arrives.
“Fortunately, due to a release from the Upper Dam, the Lower Dam sits at 83 per cent capacity, but the reality is that without significant rain, that will not last long.”
Stage three restrictions are designed to reduce non-essential use of water by approximately 75 per cent. Watering of residential, public and commercial gardens is limited to levels intended to prevent long term vegetation damage and watering of lawns is banned.
“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,” Mrs Hafner said.
More details about stage 3 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 flows into the dams, we will move to lift restrictions,” she said.
“For now, the escalated limitation of water use will help us ensure it is available when residents, visitors and businesses turn on their taps.”
Media Release – TasWater, 29 April 2026
Stage One Water Restrictions Incoming for Whitemark
Whitemark is the latest Tasmanian town to move onto water restrictions as dry conditions tighten supply on Flinders Island.
Stage one restrictions will come into effect in Whitemark on Wednesday, 6 May.
TasWater Acting Head of Communications and Engagement Jess Sargent said stage one restrictions aim to reduce non-essential water use by 20 per cent by encouraging more conscious use of water.
“With a lack of medium to long term forecasted rainfall for the island and across much of the state, we are calling on the community to reduce their water usage,’’ Mrs Sargent said.
“Conditions have been very dry across the state for the first four months of this year, leading to higher water usage, and despite some recent showers, the outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts drier than average conditions over the coming months.
“Stage one restrictions are about small, practical changes – shorter showers, smarter water use – that make a real difference when everyone pitches in.
“As a state, we use more water per household than most of the country – giving us a real opportunity to lead the way in water-wise habits.
“We’re also asking locals to remind visiting friends and family to follow the restrictions.’’
The restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
Lady Barron, Scamander and Oatlands are also currently on stage one restrictions. Orford and Triabunna are on stage three restrictions and, unless significant rainfall occurs in the coming weeks, those towns may shortly face a further escalation to stage four restrictions.
Media Release – TasWater, 6 May 2026
Stage One Water Restrictions Now in Place for Whitemark
Stage one water restrictions are now in effect for Whitemark on Flinders Island, as dry conditions and lack of forecast rain 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 Jess Sargent said reducing water use is the best way to ensure there is enough water available for everyone.
Media Release – TasWater, 13 May 2026
Continued Dry Conditions Trigger Tougher Water Restrictions for Oatlands
With no rainfall over recent weeks, TasWater will advance to Stage 2 water restrictions for Oatlands from next Wednesday, 20 May.
TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner explained that, due to prolonged dry weather, introducing the escalated restrictions was a necessary step to help protect the region’s water supply.
“Continued low rainfall and declining dam levels have made it essential to escalate restrictions in Oatlands,” 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 watering of lawns no longer being permitted.
“This will mean a change to the routines of some residents, but with support from the community these changes will significantly boost the amount of water available in the system.”
Mrs Hafner said TasWater constantly monitors local conditions.
“Once we’ve seen consistent rain and improved storage levels, we will move to lift restrictions,” she said.
“We know restrictions are challenging, but with the possibility of an extended drier period forecast later this year, every litre saved now helps protect the community’s water supply in the months ahead.”
Media Release – TasWater, 28 May 2026
Water Restrictions Likely to be Lifted Across Tasmania as Rain Brings Welcome Relief
TasWater is confident water restrictions will be lifted across most of Tasmania next week, as monitoring continues following recent rainfall.
The anticipated easing of restrictions comes after welcome rain across much of the state, especially in areas around Tasmania that needed it most.
TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner said while the recent rainfall had provided much-needed relief, TasWater would continue carefully assessing local conditions before easing restrictions.
“The recent rain has been extremely welcome, and improvements to supply levels in most of our catchments are looking extremely positive,” Mrs Hafner said.
“However, after such an extended dry period and heavy rainfall, we want to make sure systems have recovered properly and that water quality remains at the standard our communities expect before any further decisions are made.
“Heavy rainfall, as well as run off after extended dry periods, can impact water quality, which adds pressure to our treatment facilities.
Mrs Hafner said TasWater teams would continue monitoring storages, river flows and water quality over coming days, particularly in areas that had faced prolonged dry conditions.”
“We know restrictions have been challenging for many communities and we want to sincerely thank Tasmanians for the way they responded,” Ms Hafner said.
“The community effort to reduce water use has made a genuine difference in helping protect local supplies.”
TasWater is asking communities, particularly those in areas recently under restrictions, to continue using water wisely while assessments continue over the weekend.
“We’re asking people to hang tight just a little longer while we get the full picture,” Mrs Hafner said.
It’s anticipated restrictions will be lifted in:
- Orford and Triabunna
- Oatlands
- Scamander; and
- Whitemark.
It’s anticipated Lady Barron on Flinders Island will remain on Stage 1 water restrictions until further notice while TasWater continues monitoring local supply conditions.
For up-to date information, go to:
For water saving tips, go to: 10 simple savers | TasWater.
