Greenvale Reservoir: The strategic link behind Melbourne’s expanding north

At the edge of Melbourne’s fast-growing north, Greenvale Reservoir is helping shape the region’s future, not just by storing water, but by ensuring the reliability and flexibility of drinking water especially as new communities take shape across the region.

Commissioned in 1973, this 27,800-megalitre reservoir plays a behind-the-scenes but vital role in Melbourne Water’s network. Greenvale Reservoir doesn’t rely on rainfall like some of Melbourne’s other storages. Instead, it holds treated water that’s piped in from Silvan Reservoir. That makes it a smart back-up, ready to step in and meet demand when and where it’s needed most.

Greenvale works on a seasonal cycle: it fills up during the colder, wetter months, then gradually draws down through summer to support higher demand. It helps supply suburbs from Tullamarine through to Craigieburn and beyond – places where population growth is surging.

“Greenvale helps us reliably supply drinking water to Melbourne’s north and west,” said David Norman, Head of Water Supply at Melbourne Water. “It’s location and connectivity make it essential to managing demand in one of the city’s fastest-growing regions.”

Operationally, Greenvale is optimised for reliability. Its altitude enables gravity-based supply to areas to the west and south west of the city. That means reduced energy cost and more efficient service.

The reservoir is not just an engineering asset; it’s part of the community. The adjacent Greenvale Reservoir Park, with its sweeping views and picnic facilities, is a reminder that water infrastructure can coexist with open public space.

As the impacts of climate change intensify and population growth accelerates, Greenvale will remain a cornerstone of how Melbourne Water delivers safe, reliable water to the city’s expanding north.

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