Desal doubts amid high Melb water levels

Victoria's opposition is questioning why the government is continuing with a costly order for desalinated water when Melbourne's storages are 70 per cent full.

The government has ordered 50 gigalitres of water from the controversial Wonthaggi plant at a cost of $27 million.

Opposition MP Peter Walsh said on Friday the government was "forcing up water bills and making life harder for Melbourne families" to justify the "oversized" desal plant.

Water Minister Lisa Neville justified the order, saying despite recent heavy rainfall, the state is still below the 30-year rainfall average.

"We are also using more water than ever because our population is increasing," she said in a statement.

"The 50GL order also equates to less than two months' supply for Melburnians."

Melbourne's water storage levels have increased from a 2016 low of 59 per cent.

This time last year water storage levels were 74 per cent full.