31 July 2009
Storages edge up by 0.1%
Melbourne’s water storages had a slight rise over the past week, but catchment rainfall and streamflow were well below historical averages.
Storages rose by 0.1% of capacity (1.7 billion litres) as the four major catchments received 5.9 mm of rain - 80% below the long-term average for the period (29.4 mm).
The 6.2 billion litres of streamflow into the major reservoirs was 57% below the average (14.4 billion litres).
Storages have now increased for three weeks in a row, but the rise is unlikely to continue without more rain in the coming week.
Storages are now 27.0% (488.9 billion litres) full, compared with 30.6% (542.1 billion litres) at the same time last year.
Melburnians used an average of 141 litres per person per day, below the Target of 155 litres each a day.
More information on restrictions and tips on how to reach the target are available from Target 155 [website no longer available, visit Office of Water for this information] 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