In a cutting-edge initiative, Melbourne Water is trialling autonomous drones to monitor and safeguard the city’s world-class drinking water.
In a two-month trial, smart drones are being deployed at Silvan Reservoir, one of Melbourne’s largest protected water catchments, supplying around 65 per cent of Melbourne’s drinking water.
The drones will monitor the water and surrounding forest within the protected catchment for unauthorised activity and potential risks from humans and animals. Drone activity will be limited to water and land within the protected catchment.
“Melbourne is one of the few cities worldwide where drinking water is sourced mainly from catchments with zero or highly restricted public access. This allows us to provide exceptionally clean water that requires minimal treatment,” said Ram Ramzan, Senior Asset Manager, Melbourne Water.
Protected catchments are the primary source of Melbourne’s water supply, supplemented by other sources including desalinated water and recycled water for non-potable purposes.
Security measures around Melbourne’s drinking water catchments reduce the risk of contamination, minimise the need for treatment, safeguard public health, and ensure better-tasting water.
“Every activity in a protected catchment poses a major risk to our drinking water supply, including those that can be introduced by humans and animals, litter and bushfire risks,” he said.
As well as safeguarding the drinking water quality, the drones will help Melbourne Water protect native biodiversity by alerting to the presence of introduced animal species that threaten local wildlife. The Silvan reservoir is home to several endangered native species, including the Growling Grass Frog and Greater Glider.
The drones will supplement existing surveillance measures, including CCTV cameras and onsite security teams. The AI-equipped drones have state-of-the-art sensors and high-resolution cameras, including night vision. The drones can detect and differentiate between humans, animals, and vehicles. The information captured by the drones will be streamed in real time to a security monitoring centre and onsite security teams.
Drones have transformed natural resource management in recent years, providing a vital tool in balancing human activity with the preservation of natural environments.
Melbourne Water said the results of the trial will inform future drone use at other reservoirs.
“Limiting access to Melbourne’s protected water supply catchments is more efficient than implementing additional water treatment processes, ensuring we are able to continue providing safe, affordable, and reliable water supply now and into the future.”
“We want to support people in enjoying Victoria’s vast natural spaces, but this must be balanced with protecting critical water supply catchments,” Mr Ramzan said.
Adjacent to the protected catchment is the Silvan Reservoir Park, managed by Parks Victoria, which has landscaped picnic areas, large open sprawling lawns and beautiful views of the reservoir from the lookout, all surrounded by a eucalypt forest.
Entry into Silvan Reservoir is prohibited with offenders subject to prosecution under the Water Act 1989 (Vic).
