25 January 2010
YEAR OF EXTREMES FOR CATCHMENTS AND SUBURBS
Data from almost 700 rainfall gauges across Melbourne has confirmed that 2009 was a year of extremes for the city’s water catchments, gardens and water tanks.
More than 550 of the gauges are operated by volunteers who submit data to Melbourne Water to build a bigger picture of rainfall distribution. This data is used to help manage drainage and protect properties from flooding.
The data complements figures from Melbourne Water’s own 130 monitoring stations across the metro area and beyond, which show almost all parts had below-average rainfall, delivered mostly from late September onwards.
Of suburbs in the metro area Mt Dandenong had the most rain, receiving 1,008mm – the only suburb to reach four figures. The driest suburb was Hoppers Crossing, which had 306mm.
Manager of Water Supply, John Woodland, said the catchments had more rainfall (922mm) than all but a few outer eastern suburbs, but like much of the metro area, the total was below historical norms.
"Last year was one of extremes for the catchments. We suffered a very dry first six months and it wasn’t until September that we saw some decent rain," said Mr Woodland.
"It’s always interesting to compare results from our volunteers in the suburbs with what’s happening in our major water catchments.
"Figures from 2009 again show that catchment rainfall is significantly higher than almost all parts of Melbourne."
Mr Woodland said keen public interest in water had seen the number of volunteer rain gauge readers jump by 37% in the past two years, with more than 200 people signing up.
"We really appreciate the efforts of our volunteers, some of whom have been doing this faithfully for decades," said Mr Woodland.
"The data they collect is helping monitor the impact of shifting climate patterns, which in turn helps us plan upgrades to the drainage system to cope with more extreme weather events."
Gembrook farmer Bill Parker has been recording rainfall data for Melbourne Water for almost 60 years, in which time he’s seen his fair share of wet and dry years.
"The wettest year I can recall is 1952, when the gauge got about 2,000mm, and the driest would have been 1997, when there was only about 940mm," said Mr Parker.
"As long as I’m still on the farm, I’ll keep checking the gauge at 8am each day and writing it up on the chart on the fridge."
To become a volunteer rain gauge readers call Melbourne Water on 13 722, or email inquiry@melbournewater.com.au.
Media Contact: Nicolas McGay (03) 9235 2278 M - 0438 981 836