Melbourne Water acknowledges the Wadawurrung people as traditional custodians of the land on which the Western Treatment Plant operates, and we pay our respects to their elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Western Treatment Plant – one of the most innovative and advanced facilities of its kind in the world.

The site, which is roughly the size of Phillip Island, has a rich indigenous history dating back to before European settlement, and is home to more than 100 archaeological sites.

Over a hundred and twenty years the plant has evolved as Melbourne has grown, building on a legacy of foresight and ingenuity to become a world leader in environmentally-friendly sewage treatment – treating about half of Melbourne’s sewage.

Each year more than 300,000 million litres of sewage is removed and treated by a 400-kilometre network of sewers and pumping stations across the Western and Eastern treatment plants. That’s enough 120,000 Olympic swimming pools! Aussie Aussie Aussie!

The sewage treatment lagoons also provide water and nutrients for wildlife like animals, reptiles and over 280 bird species, including migratory shorebirds that make the trip each year from Siberia.

Thousands of people visit annually and we’re a hit with conservationists too, thanks to our resource recovery program which turns sewage waste into valuable resources: resources like recycled water, which is used for agriculture and wetland conservation.

We also utilise the sewage gas to generate renewable energy, and produce enough in fact to meet all of the plant’s total energy needs. 

Work like this contributes to the sustainability and liveability of the region and protects the long-term health of our community, waterways and Port Phillip Bay. And that’s a good thing for you and your family.

That’s the snack-sized version of our story. There’s plenty more mind-bending info in the other videos, from tales about the plant’s early days to amazing things we do with poo. So buckle up and enjoy the tour.