New Melbourne Water Flood Mapping
Published on 03 October 2025
Melbourne Water is updating flood information to better understand current and future flood risks.
The updated mapping identifies properties that may be at risk of flooding, supporting better planning and decision-making.
The new information does not create, or increase flood risk, but helps the community better understand and manage existing risks.
Our technical team has reviewed the draft data and found most Darebin properties identified as at risk of flood are in very low-hazard areas, with shallow water unlikely to enter buildings. It’s important to view your property’s details on Melbourne Water’s updated maps.
Darebin Council will use the new flood information to reduce the impacts of flooding through effective town planning, provision of stormwater drainage services, and proactive emergency preparedness and response.
Melbourne Water has advised that this study was carried out in line with Australian Best Practice guidelines, using advanced modelling tools and the latest data to account for the impacts of climate change.
The new maps identify properties likely to flood during a storm event with a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. This is known as a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood, commonly known as the 1-in-100-year flood.
This refers to a flood event that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year, not one that happens only once every 100 years. Floods of this likelihood may occur more than once in a year, or many years may pass without one
In Victoria, government agencies are required to plan for a 1% AEP flood event.
While this level of flooding is rare, it's important to understand flood risks, and use the knowledge to help reduce potential impacts.
Melbourne Water is seeking community feedback about local flooding to help update flood maps and improve flood models. A range of resources is available on Melbourne Water’s Let’s Talk page, where you can view updated maps, learn more about the project, and share your feedback:
Online: letstalk.melbournewater.com.au/flood-information
Email: enquiry@melbournewater.com.au
Telephone: 131 722
Darebin Council is committed to ensuring this information reaches everyone in our community and that all residents have the opportunity to provide feedback to Melbourne Water. We are here to support you and help you understand your options as you navigate this updated information.
If you can’t find what you need through the Melbourne Water website you can call them on 131 722. Or you can call Darebin Council on 8470 8888 and we’ll connect you with the right advice.
By working together, we can better understand, plan, and prepare for floods and help keep our community safe.
More information
Because flood mapping involves many factors, you may have different types of questions. The information below explains who to contact for the right advice.
Melbourne Water
Melbourne Water is your source for information on:
- What the updated flood modelling is for your property
- Accessing and using the flood study (e.g. how to view the maps, data sources, how to provide feedback)
- Flood modelling and methodology (e.g. climate change assumptions, best-practice guidelines)
- Major drainage and infrastructure (Melbourne Water drains)
- Insurance and property impacts
Contact Melbourne Water
Online: letstalk.melbournewater.com.au/flood-information
Email: enquiry@melbournewater.com.au
Telephone: 131 722
VICSES
VICSES is your source for information on:
- Flood response and emergency management
- How to prepare for and stay safe during floods
Contact VICSES
online: ses.vic.gov.au
phone: 132 500 (for emergency assistance)
Darebin City Council
Darebin Council is your source for information on:
Contact us
Phone: 03 8470 8888
Email: flooding.enquiries@darebin.vic.gov.au