Track water storage, capacity and historical trends for major reservoirs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and beyond.
Water levels at Melton Reservoir are noticeably below historical averages. At 32.2%, the facility only holds 14 GL. Drought conditions appear to be heavily impacting this specific catchment area.
Fed primarily by the Werribee River, this reservoir plays a critical role in the South East Coast (Victoria) drainage division. Managing the flow from the Werribee River ensures that downstream agricultural zones receive consistent supply. The South East Coast (Victoria) region relies heavily on the seasonal inflows captured here.
Agriculture in the surrounding areas of Victoria depends heavily on the water security provided by Melton Reservoir. Farmers and agribusinesses monitor these levels closely to plan their seasonal crop yields. Without the buffer provided by this massive 14 GL storage, regional farming would face extreme volatility.
The surrounding catchment of Melton Reservoir also supports diverse local flora and fauna. When capacity allows, Melton Reservoir becomes a hub for regional tourism and water sports. Authorities must constantly balance the need for human water consumption with the ecological necessity of maintaining healthy river systems downstream.
The weather around the catchment is currently recording 16°C. With 0mm of recent rainfall and partly cloudy skies, the catchment is relatively dry today.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of Melton Reservoir's water levels will depend heavily on upcoming seasonal rainfall patterns. State water authorities utilize highly sophisticated monitoring tools to ensure every drop is accounted for. Resilience against extreme weather events remains the ultimate goal for the managers of this critical infrastructure.