It is believed the resultant lack of water in the creek led to the death of hundreds of fish.

Melbourne Water's general manager of waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said last week: "We understand the [public] frustration. The pump failed at the worst time, given the heat and low oxygen levels in the water."

He said Melbourne Water had installed back-up power to reduce the risk of it happening again. "Kananook is unique among the creeks we look after because it relies on artificial flows provided by the pumps.

"The most disappointing thing for us is that it undermines the work we, Frankston Council and the Kananook Creek Association are doing as part of the Kananook Creek management plan, which was released last year.

"The plan acknowledges the increased pressures on the creek, especially after 13 consecutive years of drought. It aims to achieve progressive improvement in the health of the waterway, with checks and balances to ensure we're on track."

Mr Chesterfield said the biggest gains in the creek's health would be made in reducing sources of stormwater pollution in areas upstream, including Bangholme, Carrum Downs, Carrum, Langwarrin, Seaford and Frankston.

Last year, Melbourne Water built a $4million wetland at tributary Boggy Creek, west of EastLink at Carrum Downs.

Melbourne Water says this will prevent 6.8tonnes of nitrogen, 1.4tonnes of phosphorous and 680tonnes of sediment from making their way into Eel Race, then into Kananook Creek and Port Phillip.

"Improving the creek's health is a long-term process, but

residents can be assured

there's a lot being done to look after this local icon," Mr Chesterfield said.