26 August 2010
Wet week pushes storages past 40%
Melbourne’s dams reached another milestone this week, passing 40% full for the first time in almost three years.
The last time storage levels were 40% of capacity was November 2007.
The weekly rise of 1.2%, which represents a net gain of 22 billion litres, came as wet August weather continued.
The major catchments had between 20 and 57mm of rain (an average of 35 mm) – which was well above the long-term average for this time of year (26mm).
With good rain falling on wet catchments, runoff into the major reservoirs was also well above historical levels.
The 24 billion litres of streamflow was almost 30% above the 30- year average of 19 billion litres.
Storages are now 40.4% (732.1 billion litres) full, compared with 28% (506.9 billion litres) at the same time last year – a difference of 225.2 billion litres.
Low residential water use helped the support the storage boost.
Melburnians used a daily average of 134 litres per person per day - 21 litres below Target 155.
More information on restrictions and tips on how to reach the target are available from Target 155 [website no longer available, visit Office of Water for this information] 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