4 December 2009
Storages keep head above water
Melbourne’s water storages rose by the slimmest of margins in the past week following good rain over the major catchments.
Storages increased by 0.1 % of capacity, representing an overall gain of 0.9 billion litres.
The major catchments received between 20 to 46 mm of rain during the week, with an average of 41.1 mm.
This was more than double the long-term average for the period, 18.1 mm.
While rainfall was above average, the amount of water flowing into reservoirs was below par.
The major reservoirs received 6 billion litres of streamflow, which was 25% below the average of 8 billion litres.
Storages are now 38.0% (688.0 billion litres) full, compared with 34.1% (604.4 billion litres) at the same time last year – a difference of 83 billion litres.
Residential water consumption came under the Target of 155 litres per person per day for the first time in a month.
Melburnians used an average of 145 litres per person per day – 10 litres less than the target.
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