By Casey Neill
MONBULK police are reeling in illegal fishermen at Silvan Reservoir to protect drinking water from contamination.
Sergeant Mark Knight warned anglers to stay away or face fines of more than $2000, following a recent string of intruders.
He and other officers are proactively patrolling the catchment to help Melbourne Water security officers apprehend offenders.
In the past five weeks, they have removed eight people from the restricted area who have scaled or cut through fences surrounding the reservoir – most in the early evening.
Melbourne Water is responsible for prosecuting those caught. Seven people were fined up to $2450 over the past year for illegally entry into catchment areas.
Most of Melbourne’s drinking water is sourced from forested catchments, which have been closed to the public for more than 100 years to protect drinking water quality.
Melbourne Water Catchment Asset manager Mario Malovic said people should stay clear of fenced-off areas and obey warning signs.
“The water supply catchments are essentially native forests that filter rainwater as it flows across land into creeks, rivers and our reservoir storages,” he said.
“Protecting these catchments helps keep our drinking water clean and pure and reduces the risk of human-borne diseases entering our water supply system.
“Anyone who ignores the warning signs and enters a catchment illegally is threatening a precious resourc and potentially hurting the entire community.
“Entering a closed catchment is not only irresponsible but also a safety risk.”
Mr Malovic urged witnesses to immediately report any trespass to Melbourne Water on 131 722. Fines can be issued for illegal entry as well as damage to fences or signs.
