Water

On this page

Search the interactive map to find out how Council and the community are managing water, learn about water issues and find water projects near you.

The Darebin Interactive Water Map has been created to help you discover what different water projects are happening in your area. You can use the interactive map to explore projects like raingardens and wetlands and find information on how they work. Visit the map here to start exploring.

There are many projects that the City of Darebin and community are implementing to help save water and clean our waterways. Some of these might be right outside your door, in your local park or at your library!

Council is committed to Darebin becoming a water sensitive city. To do this we focus on integrated water management and consider the whole water cycle. This means we’re looking at things like how water comes into Darebin from rain, taps, drains and waterways, where and how it leaves Darebin, how we use water and what alternatives there are for water use.

This interactive water map is one step that helps Darebin become a water sensitive city. Through the water map, our community can learn more about what we’re doing and how we’re using an integrated approach to water issues. To find out more on how Darebin is becoming a water sensitive city, see our Watershed: Towards a Water Sensitive Darebin Strategy 2015-2025 and Watershed Implementation Plan.

 

Saving water in the home is easy. Small actions in the kitchen, laundry and bathroom can all add up to some large water savings. Simple things like fixing a slow leak, can save around 20,000 litres of water a year. Purchasing water efficient fittings and appliances, such as washing machines helps save water too.

Water Efficient Showerhead Exchange
30% of the water that you use in your household is from the shower. You can reduce this significantly by installing a water efficient showerhead.

We have established a Showerhead Exchange Program in partnership with Yarra Valley Water. You can take your old showerhead, with a copy of your latest water bill, to one of our Customer Service Centres during opening hours. We will exchange your old showerhead for a new water efficient showerhead. Please note, this program is on-hold as Council's Customer Service Centres remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This offer is also available to businesses.

Capturing rainwater for use in your home or garden is a great way for you to reduce your water bills and protect the environment from harmful stormwater flooding.

Rainwater tanks are available in a range of sizes, shapes and materials to suit your needs at home. Make sure you consult us as Planning Permits may be required and be sure to engage a licensed plumber to install your tank.

Benefits of Rainwater Tanks

  • Stores large amounts of rain water that can be used in the garden or in your home
  • Reduces the use of tap water in the home and garden, reducing your water bills
  • Saves tap water in times of drought
  • Captures water that reduces stormwater flooding from heavy rainfall

Buying and Installing a Rainwater Tank

  • Select a rainwater tank that suits your needs
  • Use a rainwater tank calculator to work out the tank size that suits you
  • Find a licensed plumber to assist you (tanks must be installed by a licensed plumber)
  • Check with us if you will need a Planning Permit to install your tank
  • Determine your budget; costs vary depending on the size, material and strength of the tank. Keep in mind that there may also be labour and installation fees
  • Check what Government rebates are available to you. To be eligible for rebates tanks must be fitted by a licensed plumber and tank overflows connected to your property stormwater outlet system.

Types of Rainwater Tanks
Rainwater tanks are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials and colour. Check with your local retailer to find an option that suits you.

Grey water is household wastewater from bathtubs, showers, washing machines, and laundry sinks. It is a great way to reuse water that would otherwise be washed down the drain. Grey water can be used for many things, including watering the garden, or flushing the toilet.

Benefits of Grey Water

  • Reduces your mains water use
  • Helps reduce your water bill
  • Can be used to water your garden during water restrictions

You do not need permission to divert grey water from the shower and washing machine for immediate use on the garden, however there are some important Do's and Don'ts to consider first. 

Top Dos and Don'ts with Grey Water

  • Do use a licensed plumber to install the diversion system
  • Do be aware of biodegradable products (check the ingredients)
  • Do use saved water on your garden/lawn
  • Don't use untreated greywater on gardens/plants from nappies or soiled clothing
  • Don't store untreated greywater for longer than 24 hours
  • Don't use kitchen water for greywater as its contaminated with fats, grease and solids
For more information on using greywater in Victoria visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning or Better Health Channel websites.

Building a raingarden is a simple way to help the environment and the health of our local waterways while providing a self-watering garden for your backyard.

A raingarden is a water sensitive garden that is positioned to receive stormwater from hard surfaces such as a downpipe from a roof, paved areas or driveways. Raingardens are easy to maintain, especially when they are planted with drought tolerant native plants such as grasses and shrubs.

Raingardens filter and slow the rate of stormwater before it flows into stormwater drains and on to rivers, creeks and bays protecting them from harmful stormwater pollution.

Benefits 

  • Self-watering and easy to maintain
  • Filter stormwater and slow before it enters our rivers and creeks
  • Contribute to healthy waterways

What type of Raingarden suits you?

Identify the location on your property where stormwater can be captured. You can capture stormwater from a downpipe, near to a driveway, patio or overflow from a rainwater tank. Then select a suitable raingarden design for the location you have chosen. There are many different raingarden types you can choose.

Melbourne Water have a number of resources and instructional sheets on how to build the different types of raingardens:

Stormwater drains collect the rainwater that runs off our pavements, roads, roofs and gutters and carry it to nearby waterways such as the Merri and Darebin creeks. Stormwater drains are just for rain. Nothing else should ever be tipped or swept down these drains.

Unlike water that drains into sewerage systems from sinks in our homes, stormwater is not treated prior to entering the water cycle. This means the water we let run into these drains can impact on the sensitive plants and animals that live in our waterways.

You can help to prevent stormwater pollution by disposing of liquid wastes correctly, composting leaves and grass clippings and avoiding littering.

At Home



For Business

  • A licensed contractor can collect cooking and other oils from your business, see Planet Ark’s Business Recycling site.
  • If your business generates waste that is discharged into the sewer system you’ll need to apply for a Trade Waste Agreement from Yarra Valley Water.
For other general tips on protecting our stormwater see Victorian Environmental Protection Authority.