Prior to the mid 1990s, Melbourne Zoo used more than 1,000 kilolitres of potable water per day, averaging 570,000 kilolitres per year. The average daily water use steadily declined to 640 kilolitres of potable water per day in 2005, 540 kilolitres per day in 2006 and 380 kilolitres per day in 2007. Recent reductions can be attributed to continued efficient water use, compliance with water restrictions and the commissioning of the Recycled Water Plant.

Recently Melbourne Zoo won the Savewater Awards "Award for Excellence"

		Melbourne Zoo - Recycled Water Reticulation Recycled_Water_MZ.pdf  ( 28.5 KB ) This map shows the flows of our wastewater and recycled water around Melbourne Zoo. Currently about 90% of our storm water is recovered from the property for reuse. Wash downs from animal husbandry are also collected and treated before reuse. Water from our water bodies and moats are periodically flushed into our water treatment facility and topped up with recycled water.