Lives and Melbourne's water levels are not at risk because of repairs needed to one of the city's most vital dams, authorities say.
Melbourne Water has put out a tender for safety upgrades to the Upper Yarra Dam, which requires significant excavation into the existing embankment.
Included in the tender is a report which notes because of the size of the dam, any breach of it would be catastrophic economically, environmentally, financially and to the population, with potentially up to 1000 deaths.
However, Melbourne Water and Water Minister Lisa Neville say that is the worst case scenario and the repairs do not mean the dam is at risk of bursting and killing people.
Craig Dixon from Melbourne Water told 3AW radio the dam follows national safety guidelines, which are the strictest in the world and they had recently been updated, prompting the dam works.
"There is no risk to public safety and anyone who suggests otherwise is being incredibly irresponsible," Ms Neville told reporters at parliament.
Water from the dam will be moved so the repairs can take place, meaning the city's water supply will not be affected.
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