22 May 2009
Little rain as storages shed 6.1 billion litres
Relatively dry weather over the past week has seen Melbourne’s water storages drop by 0.3% of capacity.
The 6.1 billion litre drop in storage levels came after a third consecutive week of little rainfall over the major catchments.
An average of just 5.8 mm of rain fell over the major catchments, which was more than 70% below the long-term average for the period (21 mm).
Consequently, streamflows were well down on historical levels, with the main reservoirs receiving 2.5 billion litres of runoff - 45% below the longterm average for the period (4.5 billion litres).
Storages are now 26.8% (474.5 billion litres) full, compared with 30.6% (541.9 billion litres) at the same time last year.
Melburnians met the Target of 155 litres per person a day for the 11th week in a row, using an average of 140 litres each a day.
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