Sugarloaf Reservoir

Sugarloaf Reservoir is a reservoir at Christmas Hills 35 km north-east of Melbourne's Central Business District.

Sugarloaf Reservoir
LocationChristmas Hills, Victoria
(near Yarra Glen)
Opening date1981
Operator(s)Melbourne Water
Dam and spillways
Height89 m
Length1,05 km
Reservoir
Total capacity96,000 megalitres
Catchment area915 ha
Surface area440 ha
Water levels at 62.5% in April 2016

History

The structure was completed by Thiess Brothers in 1981,[1] and has a total capacity of 96 gigalitres. As at 21 April 2016, the reservoir was at 62.5% of capacity.[2] Sugarloaf reached 100% capacity in 2006. It dropped to nearly 10% by May 2009 but rose to approximately 80% later that year.[2]

Sugarloaf Reservoir includes a major pumping station and water treatment plant. Sugarloaf uses water pumped from the Yarra River at Yering Gorge and water transferred from Maroondah Reservoir via the Maroondah aqueduct. Sugarloaf is important in meeting peak summer demand in the northern parts of Melbourne.

In February 2010, the North South Pipeline was completed, connecting the Goulburn River to the reservoir. It is the government's policy that water from the Goulburn only be used in times of critical human need: when Melbourne’s total water storages are less than 30% full on 30 November of any year.[3]

The Sugarloaf Reservoir is operated by Melbourne Water.[4]

Recreational facilities

Sugarloaf Sailing Club

The Sugarloaf Sailing Club operates on the reservoir year round. The club can be found on Ridge Road off the Eltham-Yarra Glen road. The club runs over 40 races throughout the year in for series, "Winter", "Spring", "Summer" and "Autumn". There is a strong racing fraternity at Sugarloaf who can be found on the lake on race days, rain, hail or shine. New members can use the boats from the club fleet without further charges. The Club also conducts Sailability on the 1st Wednesday of the month during the warmer months. Sailability is sailing for all including the young, the elderly and disabled and uses Access dinghies which are unsinkable, uncapsizable and good fun.

Recreational fishing
Water levels at 80% capacity in April 2010

Sugarloaf Reservoir is also a very popular waterway for recreational fishing. Rainbow and brown trout, redfin, roach and European carp can be caught in these waters all year round. No natural bait or berley is permitted, there are signs posted around the reservoir stating this. This is due to the reservoir being an integral component of Melbourne's domestic water supply.[5] There have been studies conducted that suggest that the mercury levels in the Redfin (and most likely other predatory fish in the reservoir) are higher than is regarded safe for human consumption. [6]

References
  1. "Toyota Celebrates 60 Years of Helping Build Australia". Busch Taxi. 26 September 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  2. "Melbourne's water storage dam levels, water use - Melbourne Water". www.melbournewater.com.au. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
  3. Melbourne Water, North–South Pipeline
  4. "Sugarloaf Reservoir". Melbourne Water. Retrieved 26 October 2008.
  5. Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, Visitor Guide (PDF), Parks Victoria, August 2011, retrieved 29 October 2011
  6. http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fisheries/recreational-fishing/inland-angling-guide/yarra/angling-waters#sugarloaf

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