Date Time Smart water tank to improve platypus breeding odds Platypus numbers have been declining but a new ‘smart water tank’ project is set to improve the odds for platypus in Monbulk Creek. Image: Melbourne Water Water authorities will be turning to Melburnians to help with a novel system of ‘smart’ rainwater tanks and urban lakes that can provide crucial water to support platypus habitat when it’s most needed – just before the breeding season. Platypus in Victoria have disappeared from many urban areas due to habitat loss and modification, but some populations still exist across outer Melbourne, including Monbulk Creek in the Yarra Ranges.