Securing Melbourne's drinking water supply during extreme weather
Melbourne Water has broken ground on a new treatment plant at Mount Evelyn to safeguard drinking water supply during fires and floods.
“Melbourne Water is building this disinfection plant to secure our supply of drinking water, which can be affected by power failures, emergencies, and increasing demand,” said Melbourne Water, Head of Water Supply David Norman.
The new plant is strategically located to treat water from Silvan Reservoir, feeding into three major underground mains that serve the metropolitan area through Greenvale and Cardinia reservoirs.
Over half of Melbourne’s drinking water passes through Silvan, supplemented by the Yarra River via the Winneke Water Treatment Plant, Tarago Reservoir, and the Victorian Desalination Plant.
In case of planned maintenance or emergencies at the Silvan Reservoir Water Treatment Plant, the new facility will ensure a continuous supply of safe drinking water.
“The plant will be an important part of the city’s water infrastructure that complements our other investments to secure our drinking water supply for the future,” said Mr Norman.
During consultation with Melbourne Water, the community emphasised the importance of preserving local native flora. In response, Melbourne Water reduced the plant’s footprint by 25 square metres, narrowed an access road, and relocated a power line.
Taking these steps saved a quarter of the trees which were originally planned for removal.
Concept drawing of Mt Evelyn Treatment Plant (photo credit: Melbourne Water)
Construction of the plant is expected to continue until early 2027.
Find out more about this project to ensure we have enough water today, tomorrow, and for generations to come:
https://www.melbournewater.com.au/services/projects/mount-evelyn-water-treatment-plant
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