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Home>Water resources>Water storages>Melton Reservoir
 Location
History
Purpose
Statistics
Recreational facilities
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| Location | | Melton Reservoir (also known as Exford Weir) is located on the Werribee River approximately 6kms south of Melton.
Melway reference - Map 97 G4. Top
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| History | | The reservoir was initially constructed between 1913 and 1916 to store 21,000 megalitres (ML) of water for irrigation at Werribee. The embankment was raised in 1937 and vertical lift spillway gates were installed. This increased the capacity to 23,500 ML. Since then siltation has reduced its total volume back to 14,340 ML.
Major upgrade works were undertaken from 1988 to 1994 to allow the dam to pass the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). The primary spillway was remodelled with the removal of the flood gates, construction of a fixed crest, and the spillway chute deepened. As this spillway could only pass about 20% of the PMF, a secondary spillway was required. As a result the main embankment had its crest capped in concrete and concrete steps were provided on the downstream face to enable it to act as a secondary spillway.
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| Purpose | | The Melton Reservoir is the main regulation storage for the Werribee Irrigation District.
It forms part of a three stage storage system in the Werribee basin. If necessary, water in Pykes Creek and Merrimu storages can be released for storage at Melton prior to distribution to the Werribee Irrigation District.
Releases from Melton flow into the Werribee River, and irrigation supplies are then diverted into the Werribee Irrigation District via a weir located north of the Werribee township.
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| Statistics |
| RESERVOIR |
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| Capacity |
14,360 ML |
| Dead storage |
140 ML |
| Surface area |
230 ha |
| Full supply level |
82.56 m AHD |
| Catchment area |
1,114 km2 |
| EMBANKMENT |
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| Maximum height |
35.4 m |
| Length |
181 m |
| PRIMARY SPILLWAY |
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| Crest length |
130 m |
| Discharge capacity * |
147,000 ML per day |
| SECONDARY SPILLWAY |
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| Crest length |
181 m |
| Discharge capacity |
60,000 ML per day |
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| * Melton Dam was upgraded to withstand overtopping in 1994. The secondary spillway is the dam embankment itself.
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| Recreational facilities |
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| Whilst boating is allowed on the reservoir (storage level permitting), because of the steep banks and the fact that the reservoir is abutted by private land, the only access for boating is confined to a restricted area occupied by the Melbourne Speed Boat and Runabout Club.
All of our recreational facilities including Melton Reservoir have a carry in – out policy, meaning any litter you bring to the recreational reserve must be taken home with you.
Camping, firearms and horses are not permitted. Dogs must be on leads at all times.
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| More Information | | If you require further information on Merrimu Reservoir please contact 1300 139 510 or send us an email.
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