Water
The lake, waterways, and water ecology at Blackburn Lake Sanctuary.
How the lake was formed and the impact of stormwater
The lake was formed in the 1880s when the existing creek was dammed and the valley flooded. In 1962 the dam wall on Lake Road was built by the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works to form a retarding basin to prevent flooding further down Gardiners Creek (Kooyong Koot).
Water flows into the lake from stormwater drains in the surrounding catchment area. As a result, chemicals, oils and other pollutants sometimes find their way into the lake. The image below illustrates the lake flowing into Gardiners Creek (Kooyong Koot), into the Yarra (Birrarung), and onto Port Phillip Bay (Narrm).
Wetlands have been created along the two major stormwater inlets to the lake. These filter pollutants from the water before it reaches the lake. Gross litter traps are installed to trap large items of rubbish and prevent them from entering the lake.
Investigating pollution in the lake
In 2024, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) investigated the sources of persistent pollution in the lake over recent years. Community members worked with the EPA to monitor the lake water. They were able to track the pollution to nine local businesses and advise them on how to comply with regulations. The EPA will continue to do monitoring and ensure businesses comply with laws.
More information about the investigation is available on the EPA website.
How you can help improve the quality of water in the lake
Whitehorse City Council, Melbourne Water and the EPA act very quickly to reports of pollution in the lake.
Report any sign of pollution in the lake or surrounding catchment area to: EPA Victoria's 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842.
Report rubbish or other less urgent issues: Use the phone app Snap, Send Solve.
Get involved in the community's ongoing monitoring of the quality of the lake water. Visit the Water Watch page for more information.