20 January 2011
Summer storage rise continues
The summer increase in dam levels continued this week, though the major catchments missed out on a lot of the rain seen in other parts of Victoria.
To put the modest boost in perspective though, storages rose by 0.1%, at a time of year when they usually drop by an average of 0.4% each week.
The major catchments had an average of 30mm of rain over the past week, doubling the typical amount of rainfall for that period (15mm).
Thomson Dam missed out on much of the rain, receiving only 10% more than average, which limited the storage rise.
Overall, the reservoirs gained 10 billion litres of streamflow in the past week, more than double the average of 4 billion litres.
Water storages are now 53.9% (977 billion litres) full, compared with 36.7 % (665 billion litres) at the same time last year – a difference of 312 billion litres.
Melburnians continued to be careful with their water consumption, using an average of 133 litres per person per day over the past week – 21 litres a day lower than last week.
Information on water restrictions and tips on how to save water are available from Our Water Our Future [website no longer available, visit Office of Water for this information] or by contacting the government water retailers.
Stage 2 restrictions are currently in place.
Media Contact: Nicolas McGay +613 9235 2278 +61 (0)438 981 836