23 July 2010
Wet catchments continue to deliver for dams
Melbourne’s storages have had their best week in 9 months, with wet catchments delivering a net increase of 12 billion litres.
The boost came despite just 7mm of rain over the major catchments (71% below average) during the past week.
The fact that total streamflow remained slightly above average at 13 billion litres suggests there is still a large amount of water from previous rainfall making its way through the system.
Storages are now 35.6% (645 billion litres) full, compared with 26.9% (486 billion litres) at the same time last year – a difference of 159 billion litres.
This stronger storage position has allowed a further 22 billion litres a year in environmental flows to be returned to the Yarra and Thomson rivers.
A total of 32 billion litres a year has now been returned to these two rivers, which supply most of Melbourne’s drinking water.
Melburnians contributed to the storage boost by coming well under the target of 155 litres per person per day - using a daily average of 132 litres each. This is the 18th consecutive week that we’ve met the target.
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 3 restrictions and Target 155 are currently in place.
Media Contact: Nicolas McGay +613 9235 2278 +61 (0)438 981 836