21 October 2010
Storage Recovery Nears Half-Way Point
Melbourne’s water storages are approaching 50% for the first time in four years, but remain low in historical terms.
While welcoming the milestone, Manager of Water Supply John Woodland cautioned against the perception that recent rain had turned the tables on Melbourne’s long-term water challenges.
"Storages have staged an impressive short-term recovery and are about 220 billion litres higher than at the same time last year," said Mr Woodland.
"The recent rally puts us in a much better position heading into this summer, and in a far better position than when storages hit a record low of around 25% in mid-2009. While we’re more comfortable in terms of water security, we certainly can’t afford to be relaxed or to have a short memory.
"We’ve seen storage levels erode quickly in the past, and while there will always be wet years there’s been no change to the fundamental outlook that Melbourne faces a future with more people and less rain," Mr Woodland said.
In 2005, heavy rain helped storages recover to around 60%. However, the severe dry spell that followed saw them fall precipitously to less than 30%. Similar conditions now without major water projects would have Melbourne’s storages back under 30% by 2013. Mr Woodland said Melbourne would remain vulnerable to drought until levels in the city’s biggest reservoir, the Thomson, recovered more lost ground. It is currently at 32%.
"The Thomson helped get us through the toughest decade on record but we virtually drained it in the process," he said.
"As a result of people saving water, more rain and flows via the Sugarloaf Pipeline, we’ve been able to rest Thomson Reservoir since October last year.
"The Sugarloaf Pipeline and desalination plant are key to Thomson’s ongoing recovery, and getting us closer to the level of water security we want for a city of 4 million people in an uncertain climate," he added.
Melbourne’s storages are currently at 49.2%. Though inflows are slowing as rain eases, the 50% mark could be reached within 2-3 weeks if current trends continue. However, the milestone may be relatively short-lived.
"Storages tend to peak around November or December and then gradually fall right through until the following winter, so it’s possible that we’d drop back under 50% before the end of the year," Mr Woodland said.
Melbourne will remain on Stage 2 water restrictions until at least 31 March 2011.
Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846