14 July 2011
Dams post biggest weekly gain in 10 months
Water storages have recorded their biggest weekly gain since September 2010.
The 0.9% increase represents a net gain of 17 billion litres – the equivalent of more than a fortnight’s water supply to Melbourne.
More than half of the weekly gain was made at the system’s largest dam, the Thomson, which increased by 10 billion litres.
The strong performance was a result of above average rainfall on already-wet catchments.
The four major catchments received an average of 30mm. This was close to 40% above the long-term average for the period, 22mm.
The resulting 28 billion litres of stream flow into the dams was more than double the long-term average, 13 billion litres.
Water storages are now 57.8% (1048 billion litres) full, compared with 34.9% (632 billion litres) at the same time last year – a difference of 416 billion litres.
Melburnians used an average of 133 litres of water per person a day over the past week. This is 2 litres per day less than the previous week.
Information on water restrictions and tips on how to save water are available from the Office of Water 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