24 April 2009
Storages down 7 billion litres after dry week
Melbourne’s water storages have declined by 7.2 billion litres in the past week after practically no rain fell over the major catchments.
Storages are now 28.0% (496.1 billion litres) full, compared with 31.8% (563.9 billion litres) at the same time last year.
The negligible rain over the catchments was well below the long-term average for the period, 24.6 mm.
The dry conditions meant the catchments generated very little streamflows into the reservoirs.
The 1.2 billion litres of streamflows was more than three-quarters below the longterm average for the period (5.2 billion litres).
Rain is forecast for this week, but more will be needed in following weeks, to help produce the runoff required to boost storages.
Melburnians used 151 litres per person a day - the seventh week in a row that the Target of 155 litres each a day has been met.
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