Water source change – Yan Yean to Silvan
If you live, work or are visiting the suburbs listed below, your water supply will temporarily change from Monday 13 July.
During this time, Yan Yean Reservoir will be topped up with water from Silvan Reservoir, and your supply will come from this source for around 4–6 weeks.
Affected Suburbs
Arthurs Creek | Diamond Creek | Hurstbridge | Mill Park | Wallan | Yan Yean |
Beveridge | Donnybrook | Kalkallo | Nutfield | Whitlesea | Yarrambat |
Cottles Bridge | Doreen | Mernda | Plenty | Wollert | |
Craigieburn | Epping | Mickleham | South Morang | Woodstock |
What this means for you
Customers in these areas usually receive water from Yan Yean or Winneke Reservoirs.
From 13 July, your water will instead come from Silvan Reservoir for a temporary period of around 4–6 weeks. Supply is expected to return to normal by late August.
Because water is moving through the network, the change may not be noticeable straight away for all customers.
Changes you may notice
You may notice changes in how your water looks, tastes or smells – this is normal.
For example, water from Silvan Reservoir can sometimes appear slightly yellow or orange, particularly in a bath. This is due to natural differences between water sources and does not affect quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the water safe to drink?
All drinking water in Melbourne meets strict health and quality standards, no matter where it comes from.
Why is my water supply changing?
Ongoing dry conditions and reduced inflows into Yan Yean Reservoir which means we need to temporarily adjust where your water comes from.
Melbourne’s interconnected water supply system allows us to move water between reservoirs to help maintain a safe and reliable supply.
Where will my water come from?
For a temporary period, your water will come from Silvan Reservoir instead of Yan Yean or Winneke Reservoirs.
When will the change happen?
The change will begin from Monday 13 July and will be in place for around 4–6 weeks. It may take a little time for the change to reach all customers as water moves through the network.
When will my water return to normal?
Your water supply is expected to return to normal by late August, once the change is complete.
Will my water look, taste or smell different?
You may notice slight changes in how your water looks, tastes or smells – this is normal. This happens because of natural differences between water sources.
Why does the water sometimes look yellow or orange?
Water from Silvan Reservoir can sometimes appear slightly yellow or orange, particularly in a bath. This is due to natural characteristics of the water source and does not affect quality or safety.
Why is Melbourne able to change water sources?
Melbourne’s water supply system is interconnected, meaning water can be moved between reservoirs when needed. This flexibility helps maintain reliable supply during dry conditions, like we’re currently experiencing or when adjustments are required.
Temporary source changes such as this are a normal part of operating the network, helping it respond to changing conditions and operational requirements while continuing to provide you with high-quality drinking water.
Which suburbs are affected?
Customers in the following suburbs may experience this temporary change:
- Arthurs Creek
- Beveridge
- Cottles Bridge
- Craigieburn
- Diamond Creek
- Donnybrook
- Doreen
- Epping
- Hurstbridge
- Kalkallo
- Mernda
- Mickleham
- Mill Park
- Nutfield
- Plenty
- South Morang
- Wallan
- Whittlesea
- Wollert
- Woodstock
- Yan Yean
- Yarrambat
Where can I get more information?
Customers with questions or concerns about their water supply can contact us on 13 27 62 for information and support.