History and heritage
Melbourne Water has played a significant role in Melbourne’s development, from creating our underground sewerage system in the 1890s to completing Thomson Reservoir, Melbourne’s largest water supply reservoir in 1984.
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Timeline of our history
Find out more about key moments in our organisation’s history.
Heritage management and conservation
We are responsible for managing different types of heritage, including built, indigenous, contact and natural heritage.
History of our water supply system
Access to clean water has shaped human settlements throughout history, and Melbourne is no different.
History of sewerage
Follow the history of Melbourne’s sewerage, from open sewers and thunderboxes to sustainable resource management and recovery.
Cocoroc township
The town of Cocoroc was built in 1894 at the Werribee Sewage Farm to house its workers. Discover its many fascinating stories.
Information statement
Melbourne Water releases a large amount of information as online and printed documents, in meetings and at community events and other activities.
Caring for Western Port’s Ramsar wetlands
Melbourne Water protects Ramsar wetlands, vital for wildlife, culture, clean water and flood resilience. We work with partners to secure their future.
Western Port wetlands
The Western Port Ramsar site spans nearly 60,000 hectares of wetlands, tidal flats, and seagrass meadows. It is internationally recognised for its biodiversity, rich birdlife, and its role in supporting healthy marine and coastal ecosystems. These wetlands filter water, support fisheries, reduce flood risk, and provide habitat for thousands of native species.
Water Outlook
A summary of the state of Melbourne’s water availability for the year ahead, and our actions to secure a resilient, reliable water supply.