“Ever wondered where the water comes from?” Mt View Reservoir in Glen Waverley is one of Melbourne’s service reservoirs. It plays a vital role in our city’s water supply. Melbourne relies on both major storage reservoirs and smaller service reservoirs. Mt View Reservoir is one of the latter.
Melbourne’s water story is one of constant growth. The city moved from the Yarra River to reservoirs to meet increasing demand. The 1850s gold rush boomed Melbourne. More people meant more pollution in the Yarra. This pollution led to diseases. James Blackburn proposed a reservoir at Yan Yean. It became the world’s largest artificial reservoir in 1857.
The government protected rivers and reservoirs. They bought over 400 square kilometers of land. This ensured high-quality drinking water. Melbourne is now one of the few cities with protected water catchments.
Melbourne’s population grew rapidly in the 20th century. Major dams were built to meet demand. The 1920s and 30s saw a large-scale dam construction program. This program addressed water quality and pressure in the eastern suburbs. It also created jobs during the Great Depression.
Maroondah, O’Shannassy and Silvan Reservoirs were completed. These boosted storage capacity. Post-war immigration increased the need for water. Upper Yarra Reservoir was completed in 1957. It tripled water storage capacity.
The Thomson Reservoir was connected to the water network in 1984. The “Don’t be a Wally with Water” campaign changed attitudes to water waste. Dual flush toilets became compulsory.
The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works merged. Melbourne Water was formed in 1995. It became Melbourne’s wholesale water company. The 2000s brought the worst drought on record. Alternative water supplies were added. Water conservation became a priority.
The Millennium Drought hit hard. Water entering reservoirs dropped. Stage 1 water restrictions started in 2006. Storages were nearly half empty. The “Target 155” program encouraged water conservation. Melburnians used 22% less water.
The Black Saturday bushfires damaged water supply catchments in 2009. Water storages fell to a low of 25.5%. Tarago Reservoir was reconnected. The North-South Pipeline was completed in 2010. It carries water from the Goulburn River to Sugarloaf Reservoir.
Water restrictions eased. A rainfall-independent desalination plant was completed in 2012. Rainwater tanks became compulsory in new homes in 2015.
Mt View Reservoir, though smaller than the major reservoirs, is a vital piece. It helps Melbourne deliver clean water to homes and businesses. Next time you turn on the tap, remember the journey of that water. Think of the history and the infrastructure that brings it to you. Consider the Mt View Reservoir’s role in this essential service.