Newsroom

Victoria has once again seen bushfire activity this January, so it’s natural for people to wonder how Melbourne’s drinking water stays safe when fires are near our reservoirs and forested catchments. Melbourne Water works closely with Victoria’s emergency agencies to protect our water. Here, we explain how we get ready for bushfire season, how our crews respond to fires, and how we keep water quality high if fire gets too close to our catchments.

Melbourne Water is inviting the community to a platypus-friendly fishing event on Sunday 15 February 2026 along the Little Yarra River in Yarra Junction, following several recent platypus drownings linked to illegal fishing nets.

Melbourne’s water storages have recorded their steepest annual decline since the Millennium Drought, driven by hot, dry conditions, record-low streamflows and higher household use. 

Despite rain falling throughout November, Greater Melbourne Water’s storages have risen marginally since the end of winter as Victoria heads into what’s predicted to be a hotter-than-average summer.

Melbourne Water is pleased to announce the reopening of Greenvale Reservoir Park’s southern section, unlocking more than 37 hectares of vibrant green space for the local community and visitors to enjoy.

On a sunny spring day along Melbourne’s Merri Creek corridor, the unmistakable “growl” of growling grass frogs has returned to a swamp that had been dry just weeks earlier.

Melbourne Water is partnering with the agricultural industry, farmers, Landcare and local government to deliver on-farm trials, workshops, and peer learning that boost farm productivity, protect soil and improve biodiversity.

Melbourne Water welcomes the release of the Victorian Ombudsman’s investigation into flood risk at Rivervue Retirement Village and Kensington Banks. We thank the Ombudsman for undertaking this important work.

Explaining the concept of a 1 in 100-year flood event and its significance for flood risk assessment and planning in Greater Melbourne.