4 September 2009
Storages get 11 days’ water supply
Melbourne’s water storages have been boosted by 0.6% of capacity over the past week, but inflow remained below average.
The increase represents a net gain of 11 billion litres, which is equal to about 11 days’ water supply.
The major catchments received an average of 24.2 mm - just short of the long-term average for the period, 25.2 mm.
The major reservoirs received 12.7 billion litres of inflow, which was 32% below the average (18.5 billion litres).
With the catchments damp from a fortnight of consistent rain events, more falls in the coming weeks will help sustain the storage increase.
Storages are now 28.7% (519.3 billion litres) full, compared with 33.8% (599.1 billion litres) at the same time last year.
Residential water use was under Target 155 for the 26th week in a row, with Melburnians using 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