2 September 2010
Storages make strong start to spring
Melbourne’s dams have banked 24 billion litres in the past week, as the strong rally in storage levels continues into spring.
The increase, which represents 1.3% of total capacity, came as catchment rainfall and runoff were well above the 30-year averages.
The major catchments had between 22 and 70 mm of rain (an average of 36 mm) – which was 57% above the long-term average for this time of year (22.9 mm).
The 27 billion litres of streamflow into the major reservoirs was 47.5% above the long-term average of 18.3 billion litres.
The catchments are wet and typically produce the most streamflow during spring, so the storage increase is expected to continue.
Storages are now 41.7% (756.1 billion litres) full, compared with 28.6% (518.0 billion litres) at the same time last year – a difference of 238.1 billion litres.
The wet week helped keep residential water use low, with Melburnians using a daily average of 131 litres per person per day - 24 litres below Target 155.
This week also saw water restrictions eased from Stage 3 to 2, effective from 1 September.
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.
Media Contact: Nicolas McGay +613 9235 2278 +61 (0)438 981 836