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Melbourne's water
storages are currently at:
41.9%
breakdown by reservoir
(you can click on each reservoir
for more information)
Thomson: 27.2%
Cardinia: 43.4%
Upper Yarra: 69.9%
Sugarloaf: 84.1%
Silvan: 88.9%
Tarago: 60.5%
Yan Yean: 54.6%
Greenvale: 66.6%
Maroondah: 100.0%
O'Shannassy: 100.0%
your role
Why should we care for our rivers and creeks?
When it rains, any rubbish left on our roads, nature strips or in gutters is washed into stormwater drains. These drains carry it to the creeks and rivers before it ends up on our beaches and in the bays. If we want our rivers, creeks and oceans to be clean, we need to take an active interest in what goes down the drain.
Some simple ways to help protect your local river or creek
1. Bin it tightly
Make sure litter cannot blow or fall out of bins or recycling containers. That way it won't get into the drains and end up polluting our rivers and creeks.
2. Start a compost heap
Help keep street gutters and drain entrances clear of leaves by starting a compost heap or using leaves as garden mulch. Debris can block drains and cause local flooding. Rotting leaves can pollute rivers and creeks with too much nutrient.
3. Pick up your doggy's poo
Put your doggy's poo in a plastic bag or on your garden, because when they wash into stormwater drains, and then onto rivers and creeks, they can pollute the water.
4. Cover bare soil and sand
When landscaping a garden or building a home, make sure that your soil and sand stockpiles are protected from wind and rain. Secure them with plastic sheeting or tarpaulins.
5. Wash your paint brushes thoughtfully
For water-based paints, paint out brushes on scrap material and rinse into the garden. For oil-based paints, use a recommended paint solvent to rinse or soak brushes. Ask your local council about the Detox your home program. Then, take leftover solvent and paint to the next collection day.
6. Fix your car leaks
One litre of motor oil can contaminate one million litres of water. Don't pour oil into the gutter. Also, make sure your car's not leaking oil or petrol.
7. Be aware of where you're using festiliser and pesticides
Avoid applying fertiliser and pesticides in areas where they could wash into the stormwater drains, especially when storms are predicted.