20 November 2009
Storages drop for first time in four months
A second consecutive week of no rain over the major catchments and continued high water use has seen storages drop for the first time since July.
Storages decreased by 0.2% of capacity, which represents an overall drop of 3.1 billion litres.
Rainfall was well down on the long-term average for the period (21.8 mm).
The major catchments have received just 2.3 mm to date in November, significantly lower than the monthly average (96 mm).
The rate of streamflow into the major reservoirs continued to decline. The 5.1 billion litres of streamflow was less than half the average of 11.1 billion litres.
Storages are now 37.9% (686.2 billion litres) full, compared with 33.2% (588.5 billion litres) at the same time last year.
The hot and dry weather saw a continuation of higher residential water consumption.
Melburnians used an average of 200 litres per person per day. This was 45 litres a day higher than the daily Target of 155 litres per person.
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