1 April 2009
STORAGES DROP IN MARCH DESPITE RAIN
Melbourne's water storages dropped by 32 billion litres in March, but above-average rainfall and reduced water consumption helped slow their decline.
Storages started March at 30.9% of capacity before ending the month at 29.1%, compared with 33.2% at the end of March last year.
Managing Director of Melbourne Water, Rob Skinner, said rain over the catchments was slightly better than the long-term average, but run-off into reservoirs was 40% below the average because rain found catchments extremely dry after an intense summer.
"This summer was particularly savage on storages, which have now fallen below 30% for the third time in three years", said Mr Skinner.
"March rainfall was welcome and helped reduce the rate of decline in storages, but much of it soaked into the soil in the catchments and there was very little runoff into reservoirs.
"We typically expect to see the storages start to recover during winter and spring, but this year they are likely to test new lows before that happens.
The previous low point for Melbourne's storages is 28.4% in mid-2007.
Total water use, including both households and industry, was down 11% compared to March last year.
KEY STATS AND FACTS – IMPACT OF MARCH ON STORAGES
- An average of 67.2 mm of rain was received over the four major catchments during March, compared with the 30-year average of 62.8mm (7% above normal).
- Inflows into reservoirs from rivers and creeks in the four major catchments totaled 8 billion litres, compared with the 30-year average of 13.4 billion (40% below normal).
- Overall March consumption decreased by 11% compared to last year and was 20% lower than the five-year average.
Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846