Climate Change
Our work to tackle climate change includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using renewable resources to meet our energy needs, as well as managing the impacts of climate change.
Melbourne Water has seen the impacts of a changing climate in recent years. These include significantly reduced rainfall and streamflows, severe bushfires, river systems under stress and unseasonably hot days.
In 2005 we carried out a major climate change study with CSIRO. This study was one of the first in the world to examine the impact of climate change on water, sewerage and drainage systems.
Key challenges include long-term water supply shortages, urban flooding, and overflows from the sewerage system.
Actions to help manage the impacts of climate change and drought began some years ago with wide-ranging programs aimed at securing our water supply.
Water recycling (for non-drinking purposes) is a key part of our plan to provide long-term solutions to secure water resources in the face of a changing climate. With the Victorian Government, we’ve delivered two major projects to supplement Melbourne’s water supply – the Sugarloaf Pipeline and the reconnection of Tarago Reservoir. We’re also working on connecting our system to the Wonthaggi desalination plant.
Find out how we're:
- Adapting to climate change
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Meeting our energy needs using renewable resources
Downloads
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