Melbourne Water Supply System

We are planning for the future by testing the connection now to ensure it is ready if we need it.

The purpose of testing during peak times is to ensure that the Melbourne Water Supply System can be accessed with confidence should it be needed in the future.

We plan to test the connection to the Melbourne Water Supply for up to four months between December 2019 and April 2020.

Customers will receive a mix of water from the Melbourne Water Supply and Westernport Water’s Ian Bartlett Water Purification Plant.

It is unlikely you will notice a change in the taste of your water, however we would love to know if you do experience a change. Please let our helpful Customer Service Team know.

The Melbourne Water Supply System may include water from a number of reservoirs and catchments across the state, as well as desalinated water.

Westernport Water plans to test its connection under a variety of operating scenarios and because of the nature of the system, water from multiple sources will be blended throughout the drinking water network.

There will be no additional cost to customers as a result of testing the connection.

Under our Price Determination from the Essential Services Commission, Westernport Water is entitled to pass through a proportion of the difference in variable costs of drinking water from the Melbourne Water Supply System to its customers.

However, in this instance, Westernport Water has decided not to pass through costs to customers. This is subject to change in the future.

All the water we supply, no matter where it comes from, must meet strict water quality requirements.

Melbourne has some of the best drinking water in the world, which is tested regularly to ensure it meets strict water quality requirements — as well as checking aesthetics like colour, taste and smell.

As with all water in the Melbourne Water Supply System, water supplied meets the requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Victorian health requirements and World Health Organisation guidelines.

Westernport Water has access to 1,000 ML of water annually via a Bulk Entitlement to the Melbourne Water Supply System – (Greater Yarra System – Thompson River Pool).

Westernport Water don’t envisage accessing 1,000ML of our entitlement during this testing period, however water will be accessed on an as needs basis to successfully test multiple scenarios to inform future operation.

Find out more about water supply sources.

WaterSure and the Victorian Desalination Plant (VDP) has 100% offset in Green Wind through AGL’s Macarthur Wind Farm in Victoria’s South-West.

Forecasts indicate drier than average conditions for eastern Australia. Dec – Feb are likely to be warmer than average.

Westernport Water’s Annual Water Outlook 2021 indicates that the water supply is sufficient to meet demand in the foreseeable future.

Yes, Permanent Water Saving Rules will remain in place on a permanent and ongoing basis, even when water restrictions are not required.