21 August 2009
Small rise despite little rain and runoff
Water storages continued to rise steadily in the past week, but rainfall and inflow were both half the historical average.
Storages increased by 0.2% of capacity, representing an overall boost of 4.7 billion litres.
The major catchments received an average of 14.1 mm - 48% below the long-term average for the period (27.1 mm).
Inflow into the four major reservoirs was also low. The 8.5 billion litres of inflow was 56% less than the average (19.3 billion litres).
The small increase edged storage levels above 500 billion litres for the first time since April this year.
Storages are now 27.7% (502.2 billion litres) full, compared with 32.5% (576.5 billion litres) at the same time last year.
Residential water consumption crept higher than in recent weeks, but remained less than the Target of 155 litres per person per day. Melburnians used an average of 141 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