18 December 2009
Water use increases as storages drop
Water storages have dropped by 0.1% of capacity after a week of below average rainfall and streamflow.
The decrease represents an overall drop of 1.2 billion litres.
The major catchments received between 13 to 23 mm of rain during the week, with an average of 15.8 mm.
This was almost 30% below the long-term average for the period, 21.8 mm.
As a result, streamflow was below par.
The major reservoirs received 4.5 billion litres of streamflow, compared with the average of 7.7 billion litres.
Storages are now 37.9% (685.9 billion litres) full, compared with 34.6% (614.0 billion litres) at the same time last year.
Some hot weather over the past week saw residential water consumption head back over the Target of 155 litres per person per day.
Melburnians used an average of 165 litres per person per day.
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