Melbourne’s drainage system
Rain, storms, and floods are a natural part of life in Melbourne. As our city continues to grow, there is increased pressure on existing infrastructures such as drains and waterways.
We face more challenges than ever in ensuring that rainfall is safely carried away from built-up areas into rivers and creeks.
That's why at Melbourne Water we manage a complex drainage system, which includes retarding basins and wetlands, to plan for the impacts of stormwater on our iconic rivers, creeks, and bays.
How does our drainage system work?
When it rains, some water naturally seeps into the ground. To prevent rainwater from flowing towards low-lying land, the drainage system directs it into rivers and creeks — and eventually into the bay.
Know your flood risk and be prepared
Everyone living in Melbourne can be affected by flooding. If you reside on low-lying land near a creek, river or drain, it’s important to know your risk and be prepared. There are steps you can take to plan and prepare for a potential flood in your area.
Let’s make litter extinct
As Melbourne grows, so does our litter problem. No one likes seeing litter washed into stormwater drains ultimately polluting our rivers, creeks and iconic bays. Together, let's make litter extinct and help protect our environment for today, tomorrow and generations to come.