Service delivery

6 Water 14 Alternative water sources and Integrated water management 20 Sewerage 26 Waterways

4 Water Annual Report 2011–12 Our Aim Provide services that are valued by our customers.

We will do this by: > Providing high-quality, safe and reliable drinking water and fit-for-purpose water from alternative sources > Providing safe sewage transfer, treatment and disposal > Protecting and enhancing the health and amenity of waterways and bays > Managing flood risk > Adapting our assets to address climate change and variability > Planning, operating and maintaining our built and natural assets efficiently by incorporating innovative and whole-of-life system approaches > Providing for continuity of service by improving the way we plan for, respond to, and recover from extreme events.

Melbourne Water Annual Report 2011–12 5 Service delivery Water

6 Annual Report 2011–12 Key Achievements

>> Met water quality targets >> Continued to develop the >> Worked with the Victorian for turbidity, aluminium and draft Water Supply Demand Government and water disinfection by-products Strategy for Melbourne retailers to review water >> Supported the Victorian in collaboration with the restriction schedules and Government’s Ministerial Victorian Government Drought Response Plans, and Advisory Council (MAC) to and metropolitan water developed an adaptive annual deliver on its vision of Living retailers, and in consultation Water Outlook approach Melbourne Living Victoria with the community based on lessons learnt during to improve the liveability >> Collaborated with the recent long drought of Melbourne and Victoria’s stakeholders to provide >> Continued to work with key regional cities through better advice on the desalination stakeholders and climate planning and management of water order volumes researchers to improve urban water systems supported by innovative our understanding of the optimisation modelling tools impacts of climate change and variability, including completion of a business- wide Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan

Disappointments Challenges

>>Failed to meet our target of less than >>Integrating desalinated water into >>Working with water retailers, 1% for measurable transfer losses of Melbourne’s water supply system to local councils and the development total water delivered (recording 1.27%), ensure customers continue to receive industry to generate integrated mainly due to an increase in operational high quality and reliable drinking water water management solutions losses (to maintain water quality objectives >>Maximising water from traditional >>Continuing research and assessment and test protocols which will result in catchments and dams while continuing of the impact of seasonal climate reduced losses in subsequent years) and to diversify our water sources including outlooks and long-term climate a tank and reservoir cleaning program stormwater and recycled water change projections on hydrology >>Failed to bring online >>Working with water retailers to develop >>Working with stakeholders to adapt our as a backup to other reservoirs due to the annual Water Outlook and Action assets to climate change and variability water quality issues Plans to build Melbourne’s water supply security and resilience >>Working with the newly formed Office of Living Victoria, water retailers and stakeholders to review the draft Water Supply Demand Strategy and develop Melbourne’s first Metropolitan Integrated Water Cycle Strategy

Melbourne Water Annual Report 2011–12 7 Service delivery Water

Our water supply system Monthly average rainfall at Melbourne’s major harvesting reservoirs Melbourne Water’s supply system comprises: >>157,000 hectares of protected catchments in the Yarra Ranges MONTH) / MONTH) >>10 reservoirs with a total capacity of / 1,812 billion litres

CONSUMPTION (%) >>34 water treatment plants STORAGE VOLUME (%) RAINFALL (M M

>>1,062 kilometres of water mains STREAMFLOW (M L >>214 kilometres of aqueducts YEAR ML PER DAY >>64 service reservoirs. YEAR YEAR

Managing demand and supply Monthly average streamflow at Melbourne’s major harvesting reservoirs Storages continue to rise Good rainfall continued to boost our water storages in 2011–12 which reached 70% full for the first time since January

1998. Total reservoir storage was 55.8% MONTH) / MONTH)

/ or 1,010.9 billion litres at 1 July 2011, and this increased to 70.0% or 1,268.7 billion litres at 30 June 2012. Minor Plant Fuels (5.8%) Natural Gas (7.1%) CONSUMPTION (%) STORAGE VOLUME (%)

RAINFALL (M M Rainfall and streamflow in Melbourne’s Generated Electricity (16.7%) Vehicle Fuels (3.5%) catchments are significantly impacted by STREAMFLOW (M L climatic variations. Heavy rain coincided YEAR WTP ExpMLo PERrt (0.7 DAY%) Imported Electricity (38.0%) YEAR with back-to-back La Niña events in YEAR Hydro Renewable 2010–11 and 2011–12 with rainfall in Generated (3.2%) Biogas (24.2%) the major catchments in 2011–12 being 9.5% to 52.7% above average, with the Shaft Diesel (0.3%) Hydro Recovered Generated (0.6%) catchment weighted average being 31.2% Melbourne’s water storage above the long-term average. Due to increased rainfall and wet catchments, streamflow into the major harvesting reservoirs in 2011–12 was MONTH) / 27.2% above the long-term average. MONTH) / While this is lower than the 42.6% above average streamflow recorded in a very wet Minor Plant Fuels (5.8%) Natural Gas (7.1%)

CONSUMPTION (%) 2010–11 (the highest since 1993–94), the STORAGE VOLUME (%)

above average rainfall and streamflow saw RAINFALL (M M Generated Electricity (16.7%) Vehicle Fuels (3.5%) Melbourne’s total reservoir storage volume STREAMFLOW (M L holding steady over the 2011–12 summer/ WTP Export (0.7%) Imported Electricity (38.0%) autumn period. Storages started summer at YEAR ML PER DAY YEAR YEAR Hydro Renewable 65.1% (1,179.8 billion litres) and finished Generated (3.2%) Biogas (24.2%) autumn at 65.0% (1,178.6 billion litres). Storages typically decline around 8% over While the total storage volume has from 41.3% on 1 July 2011. The last time Shaft Diesel (0.3%) Hydro Recovered Generated (0.6%) the six-month summer/autumn period. increased significantly over the past couple Thomson Reservoir was at this volume was of years, it is still recovering from years in March 1998. of below average inflows between 1997 and 2009, which was characterised by two Climate variability and climate change severe droughts in 1997 and 2006. have a significant influence on Melbourne’s storage volumes, so Melbourne Water The Thomson Reservoir, which represents supports an active research program to about 60% of the total storage capacity improve understanding of climate risks availableM toinor Melbourne,Plant Fuels (5.8% )is the main and guide water managementNatural Gas and(7.1% )climate drought reserve. At the end of 2011–12, change adaptation across the business. Thomson Reservoir had recovered to 63.7%, anGen increaseerated Electr icofity more(16.7%) than 22% Vehicle Fuels (3.5%)

WTP Export (0.7%) Imported Electricity (38.0%) Hydro Renewable Generated (3.2%) 8 Melbourne Water Annual Report 2011–12 Biogas (24.2%)

Shaft Diesel (0.3%) Hydro Recovered Generated (0.6%) At the end of the 2011–12 year, Thomson Reservoir had recovered to 63.7%, an increase of more than 22% from 41.3% on 1 July 2011.

Melbourne Water water supply system

Goulburn River YEA N

TOOROURRONG RESERVOIR

YAN YEAN RESERVOIR WESTERN WATER GREENVALE RESERVOIR O'SHANNASSY (Sunbury) RESERVOIR MAROONDAH RESERVOIR

SUGARLOAF RESERVOIR WESTERN WATER (Melton) THOMSON RESERVOIR MELBOURNE

SILVAN RESERVOIR CITY WEST WATER SOUTHERN RURAL WATER (Macalister Irrigation District)

CARDINIA RESERVOIR

GIPPSLAND WATER (Neerim South)

Port Phillip Bay GIPPSLAND WATER SOUTH EAST WATER (Warragul)

Yea-Sugarloaf pipeline Western Port Water supply pipeline, aqueduct

French Water supply storage reservoir Island Water supply catchment area

Bass Strait Retail water area boundary Phillip Island

Annual streamflow at Melbourne’s major harvesting reservoirs (Upper Yarra, Thomson, Maroondah and O’Shannassy Reservoirs)

1,200 Long-term Average 2006–07 inflows (610.5 GL pa) lowest on record (180.0 GL) 1,000

1997–2011 Average (417.5 GL pa) 800

600

400 INFLOW TO STORAGE (GL) STORAGE TO INFLOW

200

0 1913/14 1916/17 1919/20 1922/23 1925/26 1928/29 1931/32 1934/35 1937/38 1940/41 1943/44 1946/47 1949/50 1952/53 1955/56 1958/59 1961/62 1964/65 1967/68 1970/71 1973/74 1976/77 1979/80 1982/83 1985/86 1988/89 1991/92 1994/95 1997/98 2000/01 2003/04 2006/07 2009/10

YEAR

Melbourne Water Annual Report 2011–12 9 Service delivery Water

Challenges of wetter weather Average daily water use for Melbourne

100% The main challenge of prolonged wetter 200 150,00 36.6% Yarra Valley Water 133,918 ML weather conditions lies in managing all the 1992–1999 STREAMFLOW 30 YEAR LTA 1,320 ML RAINFALL 30 YEAR LTA 01 JUL TO 30 JUN 1992-1999 (8 YEAR AVERAGE) 125,000 STREAMFLOW 2011-12 water supply sources to ensure recovery of RAINFALL 2011–12 75% storages and security for future droughts. 150 35.5% South East Water 129,908 ML 2007–2011 1,029 ML 100,000 MONTH) /

01 JUL 2007 TO 30 JUN 2011 (5 YEAR AVERAGE) MONTH)

50% Water can be transferred between some / 100 75,000 0.1% Gippsland Water 287 ML storages, but it still isn’t viable to connect 2010–2011 963 ML all storages together due to factors 01 JUL 2010 TO 30 JUN 2011 50,000 25% 50 CONSUMPTION (%) 26.4% 96,338 ML including elevation, distance and the STORAGE VOLUME (%) 2011–2012 25,000 frequency of extra harvesting availability. 998 ML RAINFALL (M M 01 JUL 2011 TO 30 JUN 2012 STREAMFLOW (M L 0% Some water also needs to be set aside 0 1.4% Western Water 5,108 ML 0 JAN 97 JAN 98 JAN 99 JAN 00 JAN 01 JAN 02 JAN 03 JAN 04 JAN 05 JAN 06 JAN 07 JAN 08 JAN for09 J ANenvironmental 10 JAN 11 JAN 12 flows. 0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 JUL 11 AUG 11 SEP 11 OCT 11 NOV 11 DEC 11 JAN 12 FEB 12 MAR 12 APR 12 MAY 12 JUN 12 JUL 11 AUG 11 SEP 11 OCT 11 NOV 11 DEC 11 JAN 12 FEB 12 MAR 12 APR 12 MAY 12 JUN 12 100% TOTAL CONSUMPTION 365,559 ML YEAR ML PER DAY YEAR YEAR Other challenges include: >>Water quality in major storages and the impact storms have on existing water 2011–12 Retail water consumption quality by increasing sediment loading 100% 200 150,00 >>Lower water consumption, which 36.6% Yarra Valley Water 133,918 ML 1992–1999 STREAMFLOW 30 YEAR LTA 1,320 ML RAINFALL 30 YEAR LTA 01 JUL TO 30 JUN 1992-1999 (8 YEAR AVERAGE) 125,000 STREAMFLOW 2011-12 results in lower flow velocity and RAINFALL 2011–12 increased sediment layers in pipework 75% 150 35.5% South East Water 129,908 ML 2007–2011 1,029 ML 100,000 across Melbourne. Future drier weather MONTH) /

01 JUL 2007 TO 30 JUN 2011 (5 YEAR AVERAGE) MONTH)

conditions may result in sudden 1400 120050% 1000 / 100 75,000 0.1% Gippsland Water 287 ML sediment dispersal, causing turbidity 2010–2011 963 ML 1200 1000 50,000 events and customer complaints 800 01 JUL 2010 TO 30 JUN 2011 Minor Plant Fuels (6%) Vehicle Fuels (3%) Minor Plant Fuels (5.8%) Natural Gas (7.1%) 25% 50 CONSUMPTION (%) 26.4%1000 City West Water 96,338 ML STORAGE VOLUME (%) 800 2011–2012 25,000

998 ML RAINFALL (M M >>Greater spilling events of smaller 600 800 Other revenue Other expenses STREAMFLOW (M L Generated Electricity (16.7%) Vehicle Fuels (3.5%) 01 JUL 2011 TO 30 JUN 2012 Water (14%) Sewerage (76%) storages (Maroondah and O’Shannassy 6000% 0 1.4% Western Water 5,108 ML Biological assets revenue Finance costs 0 Reservoirs) resulting in flooding and 600 Developer charges, JAN 97 JAN 98 JAN 99 JAN 00 JAN 01 JAN 02 JAN 03 JAN 04 JAN 05 JAN 06 JAN 07 JAN 08 JAN 09 JAN 10 JAN 11 JAN 12 400 0 250 500 750 1000 Administrative1250 1500 JUL 11 AUG 11 SEP 11 OCT 11 NOV 11 DEC 11 JAN 12 FEB 12 MAR 12 APR 12 MAY 12 JUN 12 JUL 11 AUG 11 SEP 11 OCT 11 NOV 11 DEC 11 JAN 12 FEB 12 MAR 12 APR 12 MAY 12 JUN 12 contributions & 400 WTP Export (0.7%) Imported Electpublicricity (38 .0perception%) of lost harvest 100%400 TOTAL CONSUMPTION 365,559 ML YEAR Water ML PER DAY Repairs & maintenance YEAR YEAR Other (1%) contributed assets 200 >Hy>dMelbournero Renewable Water has been able to Waterways charges 200 Sewerage Employee benefits Generated (3.2%) 200 Biogas (24.2%) offset some of its large power usage by Bulk sewage services Drainage Operational 0 operating several mini hydro-electricity Melbourne 0Water and the three Residential daily per capitaBulk water water services 0 Corporate Depreciation & amortisation 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 Shaft Diesel (0.3%) Hydro Recovered Genplants,erated (0.6% which) use the normal transfer of metropolitan water retailers collaboratively consumption for Melbourne in 2011–12 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 water into service reservoirs to generate developed a process to provide advice was 149 litres compared to 140 litres in power. Lower demand for water caused to the Victorian Government’s 2012–13 2010–11. by wetter conditions has resulted in annual desalination water order. lower flows, which are less than the Melbourne Water led the development of Melbourne Water met water quality flows required to operate the generators. innovative optimisation modelling tools to targets for turbidity, aluminium and support this advice. Further improvements disinfection by-products in 2011–12. 1400 1200 1000 Preparing for desalination will be made to these tools to provide We work closely with the water retailers to 1200 1000 input toM theinor Pl2013ant Fue lsdesalinated (6%) water order. Vehicle Fuels (3%) Minor Plant Fuels (5.8%) Natural Gas (7.1%) 800 The Victorian Desalination Plant is being consistently meet stringent requirements in 1000 800 developed by the Victorian Government the distribution of safe, high quality water. 600 800 Other revenue Other expenses in conjunction with the AquaSure Generated Electricity (16.7%) Vehicle Fuels (3.5%) Water Wconsumptionater (14%) and quality Sewerage (76%) Biological assets revenue 600 Finance costs consortium. When complete, the plant Melbourne’s water supply system is 600 Developer charges, 400 Administrative Melburnians continued to conserve managed according to Hazard Analysis and contributions & 400 will enable three more regional water WTP Export (0.7%) Imported Electricity (38.0%) 400 Water Repairs & maintenance water inOther 2011–12, (1%) with low average daily Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, contributed assets authorities to be connected to Melbourne’s Hydro Renewable Waterways charges Sewerage 200 Employee benefits consumption of 998 million litres per day. 200 200 water supply system. , South which uses audits and accreditation Generated (3.2%) Bulk sewage services Drainage Operational This is lower than the 1,029 million litres Biogas (24.2%) Gippsland Water and Westernport Water to ensure quality management from 0 Bulk water services 0 Corporate 0 Depreciation & amortisation will be able to increase the security of average daily consumption in the last five collection, treatment and distribution Shaft Diesel (0.3%) Hydro Recovered Generated (0.6%) 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 their supply by accessing the Melbourne years, and significantly lower than the to customers. system when required. They will join 1,320 million litres per day in the 1990s. Melbourne Water’s existing customers of While consumption has increased City West Water, South East Water, Yarra compared to the 963 million litres per Valley Water, Western Water and Gippsland day in 2010–11, this may be attributed Water. Therefore, integrating the Victorian to a combination of lower monthly total Desalination Plant into Melbourne’s rainfall, higher average monthly maximum water supply system will involve new temperature and more hot days (above institutional arrangements as well as 30°C) over the 2011–12 summer as well physical assets. as easing of restrictions from Stage two to Stage one from 1 December 2011.

10 Melbourne Water Annual Report 2011–12 This year’s consumption of 365,559 million litres is similar to levels last seen in the early 1970s

Financial year consumption

600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000 CONSUMPTION (ML/year)

0 2003 – 2004 1951–1952 1955 – 1956 1959 – 1960 1963 – 1964 1967 – 1968 1971 – 1972 1979 – 1980 1987 – 1988 1991 – 1992 1995 – 1996 1999 – 2000 2007 – 2008 2011 – 2012 1983 – 1984 1975 – 1976

YEAR

Retail water consumption Environmental sustainability Water Supply Demand Strategy Melbourne Water supplied 365,559 million Sustainable water use The Water Supply Demand Strategy litres of drinking water to the water (WSDS), developed jointly by Melbourne retailers in 2011–12. This compares with Melbourne Water supported and is Water, South East Water, City West 351,761 million litres in 2010–11 and working with the Victorian Government’s Water and Yarra Valley Water, is a 50-year 361,362 million litres in 2009–10. Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC) to strategy for balancing the supply of and help deliver its Living Melbourne Living demand for water in Melbourne. This This year’s consumption of 365,559 million Victoria vision to improve the liveability strategy is one of the key inputs into our litres is similar to levels last seen in of Melbourne and Victoria’s regional cities next Water Plan which sets out funding the early 1970s (refer to ‘Financial Year through better planning and management for the upcoming regulatory period Consumption’ graph). of urban water systems. The benefits of (commencing 2013–14). these changes include healthier urban Water restrictions eased waterways, greener open spaces, reduced Throughout 2011–12, work continued urban heat island effect, future water on a new WSDS, including a community Increased water supply reserves led the security, and less reliance on rural water. Victorian Government to ease Melbourne’s research project to better understand the water restrictions from Stage two to Stage needs of Melburnians, and investigations A MAC Implementation Plan recommends of potential water efficiency opportunities one on 1 December 2011. This included changes to the way water is managed to increased watering times for gardens and and sources of fit-for-purpose water as part ensure Melbourne’s future water needs are of integrated water cycle management. council sporting grounds, and allowing met, in the face of continued population lawn watering which was prohibited in growth and an uncertain climate. The new WSDS will be reviewed during Stage two. 2012–13 as an input into the first The Victorian Government has also With water restrictions low, rivers received Metropolitan Integrated Water Cycle established the Office of Living Victoria Strategy for Melbourne. their full environmental water entitlements (OLV) to drive reform through an in 2011–12. Extra environmental flow immediate focus on integrated water cycle Sustainable water strategies releases of 16 billion litres (11 billion litres planning. Melbourne Water will support for Thomson River and 5 billion litres the work of the OLV which complements Sustainable water strategies set out to for Yarra River) were made in addition our vision of Enhancing Life and Liveability secure water supplies for consumption and to normal releases to waterways from in the Melbourne region. environmental purposes over a 50 year Melbourne’s dams and weirs. period. The Central Region Sustainable Water Melbourne Water supports the Strategy 2006 (CRSWS) set out a series of On 1 July 2011, the Victorian Government’s desire to ensure that actions to 2055 to deliver sustainable water Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) water is used more than once wherever use and management objectives. was established as a new independent possible. Increased use of recycled water statutory body to decide on the best and other alternative water sources is vital The objectives of the CRSWS are addressed use of Victoria’s environmental water to achieving a more sustainable city (see through the Water Supply Demand Strategy entitlements. The VEWH works with Alternative Water Sources chapter, pages and the Healthy Waterways Strategy. Melbourne Water and the catchment 14-19 for detailed information on water For further information on Melbourne management authorities to ensure recycling initiatives). Water’s role in balancing consumption and environmental water entitlements are environmental needs, see the Alternative used to achieve the best environmental Water Sources chapter, pages 14-19 and the outcome with the water that is available. Waterways chapter pages 26-31.

Melbourne Water Annual Report 2011–12 11 Service delivery Water

Water supply to growth areas Partnership with Yarra Valley Water Drought response and water outlook for Melbourne Melbourne Water, City West Water, South Melbourne Water and Yarra Valley Water East Water, Western Water and Yarra Valley have formed a partnership to help identify Melbourne Water has been working with Water worked together to develop cost- and reduce the amount of leakage in the the Victorian Government, VicWater and effective, growth-servicing plans to supply water transfer system. water retailers to review drought response water to Melbourne’s growth areas. The and water management initiatives plans outline how projected growth over Melbourne Water is also helping Yarra for Melbourne based on community the next 20 years will be serviced by new Valley Water understand and manage consultation, experience of managing the infrastructure so that Melbourne Water its Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which dry period between 1997 and 2009, and continues to meet its commitments to amounts to about 12% of the volume lessons from the recent water restrictions retail water customers. of water supplied. implementation. The review has resulted in: Water conservation – A NRW Working Group has been formed to: >>Revised water restriction schedules and System losses and repairing leaks permanent water savings rules following >>Develop a shared level of understanding a statewide VicWater review Melbourne Water’s target is that measurable of the elements of NRW >>Development of a new Water Outlook transfer losses are less than 1% of total >>Work together to reduce the component water delivered. This year we failed to approach to support implementation of of NRW that exists within Melbourne the Drought Response Plans meet the target (recording 1.27%), mainly Water’s wholesale transfer system due to an increase in operational losses >>Revision of the water retailers’ Drought and a tank and reservoir cleaning program: >>Ensure robustness and confidence Response Plans and Permanent Water in the bulk water billing process and Savings Plans. >>Several large reservoirs have been calculation of leakage. cleaned and inspected this year as part Melbourne Water has contributed to Over the last 12 months, the working of a normal maintenance and operation VicWater’s review of the existing four- group’s investigation program has included regime to meet water quality and asset stage restriction schedule and permanent trials of novel leak detection methods and management requirements. The tank water saving rules used throughout some innovative field validation of billing and reservoir cleaning program has fully Victoria. The review drew on experiences meters using salt tracer tests. Results to resumed after being placed on hold from water management during the date have confirmed the accuracy of the or reduced in frequency due to water recent drought and community feedback. major billing meters. The working group restrictions during the drought The revised schedule is broadly similar was recently expanded to involve all to previous restriction schedules and >>The Tarago Treatment Plant was shut metropolitan water retailers. permanent water saving rules. Key changes down due to high turbidity readings in Yan Yean Reservoir disappointment include consistency in watering start times August 2011, resulting in water losses and consistency in automatic and manual while performance adjustments were Yan Yean Reservoir is Melbourne’s oldest watering systems aimed at promoting made to bring the treatment plant storage reservoir and is used to supply community acceptance and adherence back online most of the city’s northern suburbs. to water restrictions. >>Flushing frequency trials were Under normal conditions, it provides backup conducted in the Winneke Preston Main to both Sugarloaf (Winneke Treatment Melbourne Water also participated in the during the year to address summer peak Plant) and Greenvale reservoirs if either joint development of a new Water Outlook flows and water quality requirements. is unavailable or has restricted operation. approach with the Victorian Government A fortnightly flushing regime without and water retailers through the Water water loss was subsequently established Although Yan Yean Reservoir is a treated Supply Demand Strategy (WSDS) for to most effectively manage this asset. supply, it has a reputation for being Melbourne. An annual Water Outlook, to This regime has replaced the previous difficult to bring online as it can have be published each year on 1 December, annual flushing and scouring regime and a slight earthy taste, resulting in some will indicate the overall level of system will result in water savings every year customer complaints. security based on the storage volume at 30 November each year in relation to >>Losses from aqueducts in 2011–12 were This was particularly evident during three zones: High, Medium and Low zones. significantly lower than the previous a Winneke Treatment Plant outage in These zones will be used to determine year. Losses were mainly the by-product November 2011 when Yan Yean water appropriate water management measures. of major capital works at Toorourrong was judged unsuitable as an alternative Reservoir which required the Silver and supply after a day of testing. Another The annual Water Outlook will provide Wallaby Aqueducts to be removed from trial was attempted in February 2012 the community with water use and supply service for most of the year. but customer complaints made Yan Yean information. It will outline various demand supply untenable and it was ceased after management and supply augmentation Overall, a small proportion of the water one week. actions which may include water losses across the Melbourne Water system restrictions, alternative supply projects were due to water main leaks and major Even though Melbourne Water and Yarra and water efficiency programs that will water main renewal works. Our pipe repair Valley Water developed a streamlined be undertaken in the next few years. crews based at Olinda and Healesville fixed process for testing Yan Yean water, The adaptive approach will provide more 111 water main leaks. it remains problematic and further flexibility to respond to water shortages investigations are underway to improve and changing climate conditions, rather the treatment process. than rely on the existing predefined trigger levels for each stage of restrictions.

12 Melbourne Water Annual Report 2011–12 Melbourne Water is continuing to work collaboratively with climate researchers and industry partners to improve understanding of the risks and impacts of climate change and variability, and to implement an adaptation strategy.

Melbourne Water will continue to work The second project is analysing recent Office water use closely with the Victorian Government climate patterns and assessing the range and water retailers on a cooperative and of uncertainty in projected annual rainfall Melbourne Water met its office water coordinated approach to drought response, and river flows under climate change. Both use target in 2011–12, with consumption and to achieve more transparent and projects will help to inform decision-making of 7,152 litres per full-time equivalent resilient water resource planning in the for the sustainable management of water employee per year, compared to a target face of climate variability, population resources. Melbourne Water is also involved of 7,700 litres per full-time equivalent growth and shifting community expectations. in the AdaptWater Project led by the Water employee per year. In terms of office Services Association of Australia (WSAA) to space, corporate water use equates to 473.73 litres per square metre. This data Adapting to climate variability develop a climate change risk quantification and adaptation tool. is collected for the 100 Wellington Parade Melbourne Water is continuing to work head office and includes water used for collaboratively with climate researchers and A Climate Change Reference Group has air-conditioning cooling towers. been established within Melbourne Water industry partners to improve understanding We relocated our head office from East of the risks and impacts of climate change to set direction and review climate change adaptation activities. A Climate Change Melbourne to Docklands over a three week and variability, and to implement an period in June 2012. This affected our adaptation strategy. Risk Register and associated Adaptation 1 Action Plans form a key part of our planning annual water use calculations . We are an industry partner in two Australian for climate change and are updated on an Research Council (ARC) Linkage Projects led annual basis. by the University of Melbourne. One project aims to provide reconstructions of historical We will continue to work closely with our annual rainfall, streamflow, temperature and customers, stakeholders, hydro-climate pressure variations data for south-eastern researchers such as the CSIRO and the Australia to put recent climate variations in Australian Bureau of Meteorology to use the a longer-term context. latest climate and hydrological information to build Melbourne’s water supply-demand resilience by diversifying our sources.

1 Actual water use for June 2012 at the East Melbourne office was omitted from the annual result calculations and then an averaged amount for June was added based on the monthly average of the previous 11 months. Incorporating actual June figures would have led to lower actual water use than the current averaged-out result

Melbourne Water Annual Report 2011–12 13