15 May 2009
Storages continue decline after dry week
A second consecutive week of virtually no rainfall over the major catchments has seen Melbourne's water storages drop by 6.5 billion litres.
The decline, equating to 0.4% of capacity, came after an average of 1.4 mm of rain fell over the catchments in the past week.
This was almost 90% lower than the long-term average for the period, 11.3 mm.
As a result, the 1.7 billion litres of streamflows into the major reservoirs was more than 50% below the long-term average for the period (3.7 billion litres).
Storages are now 27.1% (480.6 billion litres) full, compared with 30.8% (545.3 billion litres) at the same time last year.
Residential water consumption averaged 135 litres per person per day – the 10th week in a row the Target of 155 litres each a day has been met.
More information on restrictions and tips on how to reach the target are available from Target 155 or by contacting the government water retailers.
Stage 3a restrictions and Target 155 are currently in place.
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Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846