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A group of people walk along a path next to wetlands, with houses in the background.

Waterway pollution top of mind as Melbourne Water weighs priorities

Melbourne Water has asked the community what services matter most to them as part of a review of the Waterways and Drainage Charge: here's what we found out.

Eight hundred people across Greater Melbourne completed our survey, including homeowners and renters of all ages.

Respondents chose from several options across our waterways and drainage services to provide clear evidence that drainage, pollution, and managing the litter in our catchments were the most important issues.

A group of 4 people wearing hi-vis PPE standing beside an aerial photo of a Melbourne Water facility

They said that flood mitigation and natural wetland management were also high priorities.

They also said the rising cost of living meant that the affordability of essential services like water was essential to maintaining a good quality of life.

“Based on what our customers say they want us to focus on, we will use these insights to develop programs of work, conduct research, and make investments that represent value for money,” said Melbourne Water Head of Price Submission Richard Smith.

“Our customers and community have told us what they want us to focus on. Our job is to consider their views when we plan for the future of these important services.”

The survey also showed that participants expected the level of service in all areas of concern to improve.

PS26 Waterways & Drainage survey results PDF|2.63 MB
 A detailed overview of the Waterways & Drainage survey results can be viewed here.

The funds raised through the Waterways and Drainage Charge provide Melbourne Water with the means to protect and enhance our environment, manage the risk of flooding, and mitigate the impact of urbanisation on our waterways.  

Melbourne Water manages all parts of the water cycle that is essential to our way of life by providing clean drinking water, treating sewage, and working to keep all 25,000km of Melbourne’s rivers, creeks, and catchments healthy.

Melbourne Water is planning for the future delivery of these vital services by working with customers and community across Greater Melbourne. 

For the latest updates, timelines and opportunities to help shape our water journey, follow the Price Submission 2026 page on our Let’s Talk website.

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