DRY TIMES CONTINUE FOR MELBOURNE'S CATCHMENTS
7 April 2005
The recent fine weather is a timely reminder that Melbourne and the catchment areas continue to be affected by the longest period of below average run-off into the major reservoirs since records began in 1913.
At the start of April 1996, before the current drought started, Melbourne's water storages were at about 86% full. Today, they are at 56.3%.
Melbourne Water Managing Director, Rob Skinner, said Melbourne remained in the longest period of below average run-off, despite the very heavy rainfall in February.
"But the odd month of above average rainfall, and good run-off into the reservoirs, doesn't mean an end to the driest period on record. We would need to see above average rain and run-off continue for a few months, and particularly through winter and spring, to see any significant boost in our water storages," Mr Skinner said.
Melbourne's water storages for the week ending 7 April 2005 were 56.3% (998,252 million litres) full. This is a decrease of 8,200ML since last week (31 March 2005). The decrease represents 0.46% of total system storage capacity. For the same time last year (7 April 2004), Melbourne's water storages were 49.6% (879,237 million litres) full.