At the edge of Melbourne’s fast-growing north, Greenvale Reservoir is helping shape the region’s future, not just by storing water, but by ensuring the reliability and flexibility of drinking water.
Commissioned in 1973, this 27,800-megalitre reservoir plays a behind-the-scenes but vital role in Melbourne Water’s network.
Greenvale Reservoir doesn’t rely on rainfall like some of Melbourne’s other storages.
Instead, it holds treated water that’s piped in from Silvan Reservoir.
Melbourne Water said this makes it a smart back-up, ready to step in and meet demand when and where it’s needed most.
According to Melbourne Water, Greenvale Reservoir works on a seasonal cycle: it fills up during the colder, wetter months, then gradually draws down through summer to support higher demand.
The reservoir helps supply suburbs from Tullamarine through to Craigieburn and beyond – places where population growth is surging.
“Greenvale helps us reliably supply drinking water to Melbourne’s north and west,” Melbourne Water head of water supply David Norman said.
“It’s location and connectivity make it essential to managing demand in one of the city’s fastest-growing regions.”
Melbourne Water said that operationally, Greenvale is optimised for reliability. Its altitude enables gravity-based supply to areas to the west and south-west of the city.
That means reduced energy cost and more efficient service, Melbourne Water said.
The reservoir is not just an engineering asset; it’s part of the community.
The adjacent Greenvale Reservoir Park, with its sweeping views and picnic facilities, is a reminder that water infrastructure can coexist with open public space.
