22 May 2008
WELCOME RAIN HELPS TO WET CATCHMENTS
Melbourne’s water storages are now 30.5% full (541,292 million litres) compared to 29.1% full (515,915 million litres) for the same time last year, or 25 billion litres more water.
The four major catchments received above average rain during the week. The welcome rainfall also watered Melbourne’s gardens, helping keep consumption relatively low – 970 million litres per day compared with the 1990s average of 1,294 million litres.
Despite the good rainfall, streamflow into storages was below average due to prolonged dry conditions in the catchments. As a result, storages decreased slightly by 0.19% or 3,296 million litres.
Stage 3a restrictions remain in place until at least 30 June, 2008. Further details on water restrictions are available by visiting the Our Water Our Future website or by contacting the government water retailers.