Melbourne Water Flooding Response

The rain and subsequent flooding that occurred on 13 October was unprecedented in its intensity and exceeded the capacity of Melbourne’s drainage system.  

We are currently working with emergency services, the community, and other relevant agencies including your local Council, to address the impacts of the severe storm.

Melbourne Water is deeply empathetic to community members who experienced damage to property and belongings as a result of this week’s flooding event.  

If you are directly impacted by the floods, you may be able to access emergency relief assistance payments through the Victorian government.

As flood waters start to recede and people return to the area our focus now switches to recovery. You will notice our crews in the area assessing impact to our waterways and assets and assisting with flood recovery. If you would like to report any impacts to your local waterways or Melbourne Water assets in your area please contact 131 722. 

While the drainage system performed as well as it could have given the intensity of the storm, our crews are out removing debris, assessing erosion and inspecting our assets to enable the system to continue to perform at its best.  

Flood and drainage management is a key part of our business, and we are committed to reducing impacts. Melbourne Water is investigating how our drainage system coped, and what we could possibly improve in the future.  

We are currently experiencing a high volume of requests regarding damage to our drainage assets, and the presence of litter and fallen trees in public areas.  

Due to the widespread nature of the rainfall event, we are prioritising inspections and repairs of issues that present critical public safety risks and operational risks to the safe functioning of our waterways and drainage assets. 

General clean-up of lower priority issues such as litter and debris in public areas, damaged fences and fallen trees, will occur once the critical risks above have been managed. 

Due to the volume of queries we are receiving, we won't always be able to call you back regarding the issue you raise with us. Please be patient while we prioritise and respond to your query and note that all critical issues affecting safety will be addressed as a matter of priority.  

Stay safe 

For residents returning to flooded areas, please stay safe as conditions have changed. Be on the lookout and vigilant for hazards such as debris in receding floodwaters. For emergency assistance, contact the VIC SES on 132 500. 

Flood waters can be fast moving and very dangerous. We urge the community to avoid flooded areas for their own safety. Do not drive, ride or walk through floodwaters. 

We strongly discourage the community from going out to look at dams or flooded waterways during this time for your own safety and to keep roads surrounding our waterways clear for emergency vehicles only. 

To stay better informed, prepared and safe, Melbourne Water has a live river level flow and rainfall information webpage so you can access local information that impacts you: https://www.melbournewater.com.au/water-data-and-education/rainfall-and-river-levels#/ 

High volumes of calls

We are currently experiencing a high volume of requests regarding damage to our drainage assets, and the presence of litter and fallen trees in public areas.  

Due to the widespread nature of the rainfall event, we are prioritising inspections and repairs of issues that present critical to public safety risks and operational risks to the safe functioning of our waterways and drainage assets. 

General clean-up of lower priority issues such as litter and debris in public areas, damaged fences and fallen trees, will occur once the critical risks above have been managed. 

Due to the volume of queries we are receiving, we won't always be able to call you back regarding the issue you raise with us. Please be patient while we prioritise and respond to your query, and note that all critical issues affecting safety will be addressed as a matter of priority.