Melbourne Water

The Drainage System

We manage the regional drainage system for the Port Phillip and Westernport catchment - that’s more than 1400 kilometres of drains.

We work closely with local councils, which have responsibility for local drains, road networks and street and property drainage that feed into the regional drains, rivers and creeks.

The drainage system carries stormwater from roofs, roads and buildings through gutters, drains and channels, and discharges it into rivers and creeks where it eventually flows to the bays. We need drains to prevent floods.

Also see:

• Flood management
• Who else is responsible for rivers and creeks?

Stormwater pollution

Stormwater can carry all sorts of nasties. Some stormwater pollution is obvious such as plastic bags and oil from cars – other pollution is not so obvious, such as nutrients and heavy metals. Unlike sewage, stormwater isn't treated before it enters our rivers, creeks and bays.

Also see:

• Stormwater
• What affects river health?
• Raingardens Program

The drainage system and urban development

We work closely with councils, developers and landowners to ensure that the drainage system continues to function properly as Melbourne grows. We assess new developments and redevelopments of land to make sure they are adequately designed to protect people and property from floods and to ensure the health of local waterways is not adversely affected.

Increasingly, drainage systems in new housing estates are designed to improve the quality of stormwater. Water sensitive urban design helps to reduce stormwater pollution.

Also see:

• Sustainable urban development
• Water sensitive urban design
• Planning and building

Waterways Operating Charter

Our Waterways Operating Charter (PDF, 4.8mb) outlines our long-term goals and targets for managing waterways and drainage (for the period 2008-2013), including specific programs to improve our rivers and creeks and provide a safe level of flood protection for communities.

It details how we will work with government agencies, communities, local councils, rural landholders, developers and other partners to complete works and achieve our goals.

---

• The Drainage System
  • Drain Safety
• Flood Management
• Sustainable Urban Development
• Stormwater