Did you know that Sugarloaf Reservoir helps supply Melbourne’s water? It is right here in Christmas Hills. Welcome to the Sugarloaf Reservoir!
Sugarloaf Reservoir is more than just a body of water. It’s an essential part of Melbourne’s water supply. The reservoir plays a vital role in meeting the city’s peak summer demand. It especially helps the northern suburbs.
Completed in 1981 by Thiess Brothers, Sugarloaf Reservoir has a capacity of 96 gigalitres. That is a lot of water. The dam itself is an embankment dam. It stretches 1,050 metres long. Its height from the foundation is 89 metres.
Sugarloaf Reservoir doesn’t just collect rainwater. It gets water pumped from the Yarra River at Yering Gorge. Water is also transferred from Maroondah Reservoir via the Maroondah Aqueduct. The reservoir can even store water from the Goulburn River via the North-South Pipeline. This is only used when Melbourne’s water storage is critically low.
The water from Sugarloaf is fully treated. This happens at the Winneke Water Treatment Plant. This plant provides about a quarter of Melbourne’s drinking water. So when you turn on the tap, you might be using water from right here.
Sugarloaf Reservoir covers a surface area of 440 hectares. The catchment area is 915 hectares. The normal elevation is 175 metres AHD.
While it’s a crucial water source, Sugarloaf Reservoir also offers recreational activities. The Sugarloaf Sailing Club operates on the reservoir all year. They hold over 40 races in four series. These series are called Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. New members can use club boats without extra fees.
Recreational fishing is also popular here at Sugarloaf Reservoir. You can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, redfin, roach, and European carp. Remember, only lure-based fishing is allowed. Natural bait and berley are not permitted. This is to protect the water supply.
There are accessible public walking tracks around Sugarloaf Reservoir. The 15-kilometre track offers amazing views. From the peaks, you can even see the Melbourne CBD.
Please note that dogs are not allowed. Also, no camping or fires are permitted. These rules help protect the water quality.
Sugarloaf Reservoir was built on former farmland. The dam partly covers the old firing ranges of the Christmas Hills Rifle Club.
Melbourne Water owns Sugarloaf Reservoir. They manage Melbourne’s water supply catchments. They also treat most of Melbourne’s sewage and manage waterways.
Sugarloaf Reservoir is essential for Melbourne’s water supply. It also provides a beautiful space for recreation. Remember to respect the rules so that everyone can enjoy this vital resource.