1 September 2008
LOW STORAGES HIGHLIGHT NEED TO SAVE WATER IN SPRING
From the Premier of Victoria
New figures show Melbourne’s water storages have made modest gains during winter and water consumption has increased slightly.
Premier John Brumby said Melbourne’s winter water consumption has been on average 13 million litres higher per day compared to 2007 and inflows into our catchments were 40 per cent lower than the long-term average.
“Melburnians have done a great job saving water in recent years with more than 360 billion litres of water saved since 2002 despite our population growing significantly over that period,” Mr Brumby said.
“With spring now upon us and storages well below where they were last year it is vital that water saving efforts are increased by all Melburnians and we don’t become complacent.”
Melbourne’s nine major reservoirs are currently 33.6 per cent of total system capacity. At the same time last year storages were 38.6 per cent.
Mr Brumby said reasonable winter rain had laid the foundation for a stronger recovery if traditional spring rain arrives.
“Much of the rain to date has gone towards helping the forested catchments that provide inflows to Melbourne’s dams recover from one of the driest autumns on record,” he said.
“In July, despite the catchments receiving 115 per cent of their average rainfall, inflows were around 40 per cent below average, showing that the system is still recovering from the ongoing dry conditions.
“We saw more consistent rain during August, but inflows were still 30 per cent below average.
“The wettest months for Melbourne’s catchments are normally August through to October so two-thirds of the traditional filling period still remains.”
Despite the slight rise in consumption in winter, Melbourne is still one of the most water efficient major cities in Australia with 370.7 billion litres of water used in 2007/08 - 35 per cent lower per capita compared to the mid-1990s.
Water Minister Tim Holding said climate change means we face a future with less rainfall.
“Year on year, the clear picture emerging is that changing rainfall patterns are having a major impact on our ability to generate the runoff we need to help storages recover,” Mr Holding said.
“This trend shows why building a new dam is not the answer and highlights the importance of having a diverse range of solutions to our water challenges including non-rainfall dependent sources of water.
“That is why we are building Australia’s largest desalination plant, saving water through upgrading irrigation channels, building a network of pipelines to connect Victoria in a state-wide water grid, increasing water recycling and continuing existing water conservation.
“These projects will boost Melbourne’s water supplies by 240 billion litres or more than half of our current annual water use.
“By this time next year, we also have the Tarago Reservoir coming back online and supplying an estimated 15 billion litres to Melbourne a year.”
Mr Holding said Stage 3a water restrictions would remain in place in Melbourne until at least 30 November 2008.
“By introducing Stage 3a water restrictions we have been able to protect jobs in industries that are affected by water restrictions like the nursery and car wash industries as well as enable community sport to continue,” he said.
“It is also crucial that households cut back on water use inside the home by taking advantage of rebates on water saving products and keeping showers to four minutes.”
Under Stage 3a water restrictions:
- Manual dripper system, hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a watering can and a bucket can be used to water gardens on specified watering days between 6am - 8am*;
- An automatic dripper system can be used to water as required on specific watering days between midnight - 2am*;
- Cars can be washed at a commercial car wash. A bucket filled from a tap can be used to clean windows, mirrors and lights; and spot-remove corrosive substances; and
- One in four sports grounds can be watered. Councils must complete a water conservation plan and ensure water use on these sports grounds is cut back by an additional 25 per cent.
* Even numbered properties can water on Saturday and Tuesday; odd numbered can water on Sunday and Wednesday. People aged 70 and over can water between 8am and 10am.
For information on water restrictions visit the Our Water, Our Future website or call 136 186.
Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846