12 June 2009
Decline eases with rain and low water use
Welcome rain over the major catchments has slowed the rate of decline in Melbourne’s water storages over the past week.
Storages dropped by 0.2% of total capacity (3.6 billion litres) – less than falls seen in previous weeks.
The catchments received 39 mm of rain, well above the long-term average for the period, 23.7 mm.
As a result, the 4.5 billion litres of streamflows into the major reservoirs was higher than recent levels, but still 35% below average.
More rain is needed before storage levels will increase.
Storages are now at 25.9% of total capacity (459 billion litres). At the same time last year storages were 29.6% (542.7 billion litres full).
The rain helped keep residential water consumption down. Melburnians used an average of 129 litres each per day – the lowest consumption since the target of 155 litres a day began in December last year.
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