Melbourne Water supplies some of the best drinking water in the world and it all started 170 years ago when work on Australia’s very first reservoir began – in Yan Yean, north of Melbourne. 

Victoria’s globally recognised Ramsar wetlands are a biodiversity paradise for our environment and the habitat and wildlife that call these magical places home, and it’s thanks to Melbourne Water that they continue to flourish.

Melbourne Water supplies Melbourne with some of the best drinking water in the world, but it also delivers a wide range of important community projects that attract some of the country’s leading scientific minds, and many of those roles are filled by women. 

133 years ago, Melbourne Water started transferring water across the city from what is now known as the Maroondah Dam, via a network of aqueducts, now that same structure has evolved into one of the city’s most impressive responsive water supply systems.

A Melbourne Water waterways monitoring program has led to the discovery of a 24-year-old male platypus – the oldest ever recorded in the wild - astounding researchers and biologists.

With increased discarded fishing lines, illegal yabby traps being found along the Werribee River, and the rising threat of invasive Carp to native species, Melbourne Water has devised a free community event to tackle two problems simultaneously. 

As juvenile platypus prepare to leave their burrows for the first time during late summer and autumn, Melbourne Water encourages dog owners to do their bit to protect the vulnerable species. Dog obedience demonstrations, guided platypus walks and free coffee (including puppuccinos!) will offered at a free Melbourne Water event in Hume promoting responsible pet ownership in and around Melbourne’s waterways.