WATER SAVING STILL VITAL AS STORAGES RISE ABOVE 50%
15 July 2004
Melbourne's water storages have increased to above 50% for the first time since April. They are currently at 50.2%.
However, Melbourne Water Managing Director Brian Bayley has warned against complacency.
"While it's great that our storages are now over half full, and almost 10% up on this time last year, we are still in a drought, and we all need to continue to save water."
Mr Bayley said leading the way in water conservation were 20 Melbourne councils, who were today congratulated for signing up to a program that will save up to 800 million litres of water by 2010.
The councils, who will each receive up to $10,000 to develop Sustainable Water Use Plans as part of a joint program run by Melbourne Water and the Municipal Association of Victoria, will examine their water use in areas such as park and garden irrigation, and recreational facilities.
Melbourne's water storages for the week ending 15 July 2004 were 50.2% (889,422 million litres) full. This is an increase of 12,215 ML since last week (8 July 2004). The increase represents 0.69% of total system storage capacity.
For the same time last year (15 July 2003) Melbourne's water storages were 40.3% (713,753 million litres) full.
Stage 2 water restrictions are in place in Melbourne.