The results were released last week to coincide with the '84hundred' campaign to encourage people to get out and enjoy Melbourne's waterways.

The study found that 29 per cent of respondents living in the Maribyrnong catchment said walking, jogging or running was their main reason for visiting a waterway.

Family outings were the next most popular (26 per cent), followed by relaxation (15 per cent) and dog walking (13per cent). Tributaries of the Maribyrnong River in Hume include Merri, Deep and Jacksons creeks.

Two-thirds of people spent between 30 minutes and two hours at the waterway.

Melbourne Water's Chris Chesterfield said of the 8400 kilometres of rivers and creeks in greater Melbourne, 1277 kilometres were in the Maribyrnong catchment.

"The No.1 reason for people in Maribyrnong and Yarra catchments visiting a waterway was exercise, whereas an outing with family or friends was the most popular drawcard in Dandenong, Werribee and Westernport catchments.

"The survey shows that Melburnians place a high social value on their local waterway, which is supported by the fact that one third of Melbourne's population lives within a kilometre of the water."

Detai ls: melbournewater.com.au/84hundred