TasWater Media Release

17 July 2026

Last water restrictions in the state to be lifted as Lady Barron conditions improve 

Stage 1 water restrictions at Lady Barron on Flinders Island will be lifted today, following welcome rainfall that has replenished local groundwater supplies. Recent rain has led to a significant recovery in bore levels, allowing the restrictions which have been in place for the past five months to be removed.

TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner thanked the community for their efforts in conserving water and said it was important for locals and visitors alike to remain water wise. 

“Stage 1 restrictions have been in place at Lady Barron since 18 February. The community is serviced by an underground bore system which takes longer to recover than our systems supplied via run of river or dam storage,” Mrs Hafner said. 

“We are pleased to see the recovery in groundwater levels and hopeful more favourable rainfall, on the outlook over the coming weeks, will see further improvements. Lady Barron is the final community in the state to have water restrictions lifted.

“It has been pleasing to see our systems around the state recover following the direr than usual summer and autumn, but we are urging Tasmanian’s not to be complacent. 

“The Bureau of Meteorology is closely monitoring the possibility of an El Niño system in the coming months, which would mean drier than normal conditions, warmer temperatures and increased pressure on our water systems,” Mrs Hafner said. 

“We closely monitor conditions of our 58 water catchments around the state and we introduce water restrictions to manage the supply when levels decrease, ensuring we can meet essential water needs for customers.  

“Tasmanians can all play their part in saving water, ‘our thing’, now and for the future all year-round.  Saving water doesn’t have to be complicated, a few simple changes to your daily habits, can make a big difference.” 

For more information visit the TasWater Water Supply Status page.