3 April 2009
No rain as storages drop by 8 billion litres
Melbourne’s water storages declined by 8 billion litres in the past week as dry weather continued.
With practically no rain over the catchments this week, and just 0.9mm the previous week, the reservoirs have received little streamflow runoff.
Runoff into reservoirs slowed to below one billion litres for the first time this year, which is almost 70% below the longterm average.
Consistent rain over several days and weeks is needed to soak the catchments before streamflow will increase significantly.
Storages are now 29.0% (514.2 billion litres) full, compared with 33.2% (588.0 billion litres) at the same time last year.
Despite the warmer weather, Melburnians achieved the target of 155 litres per person a day for the fourth consecutive week, using a daily average of exactly 155 litres each.
More information on restrictions and tips on how to reach the target are available from Target 155 or by contacting the government water retailers.
Stage 3a restrictions and Target 155 are currently in place.
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Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846