SLIGHT INCREASE IN CATCHMENT RAIN DURING 2004
6 January 2005
During 2004, Melbourne’s four major catchments - Maroondah, O’Shannassy, Upper Yarra and Thomson - received an average of 1119mm, slightly above the 30-year average of 1092mm.
"This is the first year that all of the major catchments have received above average rainfall since 1996, which is when the current drought started in Melbourne," Melbourne Water Acting Managing Director Grant Wilson said.
"But one normal year of rainfall doesn’t mean we should be less concerned about saving water. Our water storages are now slowly dropping over summer and are at 60.3% today.
December rainfall in the four major catchments was above average. The Thomson received 127mm for the month, above the long term average of 84mm.
Across the greater Melbourne area, rainfall during December varied between 29.4mm at Arthurs Seat and 85mm in Ivanhoe. Visit Melbourne Water’s rainfall and river level website melbournewater.com.au/rainfall
Melbourne’s water storages for the week ending 6 January 2005 were 60.3% (1,069,916 megalitres) full. This is a decrease of 2,836 ML since last week (31 December 2004). The decrease represents 0.16% of total system storage capacity. For the same time last year (6 January 2004) Melbourne’s water storages were 56.3% (998,216 megalitres) full.
Stage 2 water restrictions are still in place in Melbourne. Permanent water saving measures will be introduced when Stage 2 restrictions are lifted.