Reservoirs in the ACT

The water supply distribution network shows the location of the ACT’s treatment plants, pump stations and service reservoirs.

Their are 45 primary and secondary service reservoirs operated by ActewAGL located at various places across the ACT.

The reservoirs receive water from Canberra’s two water treatment plants via bulk supply mains. Each provides storage for between 620 megalitres (ML) and 800ML of water.

That’s 620,000,000 to 800,000,000 litres of water!

Most reservoirs in the ACT are filled from the bulk supply system using gravity to help the water flows downhill through the pipes to the reservoirs. Where reservoirs are too high to be filled by gravity, pump stations are used to move the water.

There are 18 pump stations around Canberra that help water reach the higher reservoirs, especially at times of high water use.

All Canberra service reservoirs have enclosed roofs to prevent contamination from birds, animals and wind-borne debris. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure there has been no unauthorised entry.

There is also a program in place for reservoir cleaning. The program ensures reservoirs will be cleaned and inspected regularly.

Each reservoir is routinely monitored for total coliforms, thermo tolerant coliforms, heterotrophic plate count, temperature and chlorine levels. Treatment of water at the reservoir can be carried out if required. ActewAGL publishes a monthly Water and Wastewater Performance Report outlining the results of water testing.