Why is this project important?
In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life.
The Silvan Reservoir and Water Treatment Plant currently supply more than half of Melbourne's population with quality drinking water. And by 2030, more than six million Melburnians will need water every day.
The new Mount Evelyn Water Treatment Plant will maintain water supply if fires or power failures impact the Silvan Reservoir Water Treatment Plant and will also provide greater protection against storms.
The plant will consist of:
- a main building
- three small, fenced disinfection dosing tanks to clean water from Silvan Reservoir.
Why Mount Evelyn?
Fifty per cent of Melbourne’s water is from the Silvan Reservoir and Water Treatment Plant. Before it reaches our taps, it passes through parallel underground water mains from Silvan Reservoir to Mount Evelyn, before they branch off to multiple locations across Melbourne.
The location for the Mount Evelyn Water Treatment Plant was selected due to:
- Proximity to Silvan Reservoir and water treatment plant.
- Ability to treat water efficiently in one location carried by three underground water mains.
- Land owned by Melbourne Water and zoned PUZ1 (Public Use Zone – Service & Utility).
- Flat, mostly cleared land close to existing roads.
Investigations of the site assessed land, ecology, cultural heritage and soil quality. These surveys and reports were considered as part of the location selection.
Community feedback
Information sessions: what we heard
In March 2024 we held two community information sessions to provide an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask the project team questions.
The following report outlines the questions you asked and the actions we are taking in response.
Frequently asked questions
The following document's provide answers to questions we've received from the community and will continue to be updated with more information as the project progresses.
Don't see your question answered here? Email us at [email protected]
Tree removal
Tree removal on the northern side of the site is needed to install power lines and for construction works. Design changes made to the loop road and building size have reduced tree removal by 25%, from 89 to 66 trees. To view which trees will be removed, view the tree removal and trimming map below.
Mount Evelyn Water Treatment Plant - Tree removal and trimming map
Timeline
