Extreme Heat Equalled Extreme Use - Help Melbourne Get Back On Track

Extreme Heat Equalled Extreme Water Use - Help Melbourne Get Back on Track

As Melbourne experienced its first taste 40 degree plus weather for the summer, our daily water consumption spiked up to 259 litres - in daily residential use not seen since 7 February 2009. As the weather cooled, so did our water use, to produce a daily average of 187 litres per person per day for the past week.

Water authorities are praising Melburnians for staying safe and well-hydrated during the extreme heat, but are now calling for their collective help in promptly returning to summertime water conservation behaviours.

"Just as we change the way we dress and eat in the hot weather, we must change the way in which we conserve water during the summer months; to ensure we live in a sustainable manner, strive towards Target 155 and to protect our water supplies during the time of year when they drop at their fastest rate," details Mr Tony Kelly, Managing Director of Yarra Valley Water and Target 155 spokesperson.

"Now that we are back to mild summer weather again, we are asking for Melburnians to do a little water conservation repair work. It took us nearly five months to recover in 2009 from January and February's high water use - as we didn't effectively offset the days of extremely high consumption when we had the chance," said Mr Kelly.

"Through small steps such as cutting down showers by just half a minute, doing one less load of washing a week, using grey water on one of your allocated watering days or by diligently looking to the weather forecast before watering, we will rebound from periods of extreme water consumption in weeks, not the many months it took last year," details Mr Kelly.

"It is also important for Melburnians to remember that Stage 3a water restrictions are still in place, with Authorised Water Officers actively enforcing restrictions right throughout summer," explains Mr Kelly.

Melbourne's water storages dipped below 37% this week, confirming the need to create drought-resistant water sources. Work is currently underway to build Australia's largest desalination plant, to upgrade irrigation channels and to expand the water grid. But until these projects are delivering their full benefits to the community, the need to keep diligently saving water remains.

Simple Ways to Save After A Heatwave:
* Diligently enjoy four minute showers - with a water efficient showerhead
* Use a sea weed solution of water crystals in your garden - to reduce their water needs
* Wash fruit and vegetables in a shallow bath of water in the sink.
* Shave out of the shower - with a sink or shaving cup of water
* Only use evaporative coolers when really needed - often well positioned fan can provide just as much relief.

Under Stage 3a Water Restrictions:
* Lawns must not be watered at any time
* Even and no-numbered properties can water plants on Sat & Tues 6am - 8am
* Odd-numbered properties can water plants on Sun & Wed 6am - 8am
* Residents aged 70+ can water plants on their specified days between
* 6am - 8am OR the alternate time of 8am - 10am
* Automatic dripper systems can be used to water plants on specified watering days between midnight - 2am
* Rain/ grey water can be used at any time
* Cars can be washed at commercial car washes or at home using rain/ grey water
* No watering is permitted on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

For more water saving tips and information
go to www.target155.vic.gov.au

Media Enquires:
Caroline Doherty,
Media Manager - T155
T: (03) 9872 2473
M:0421 465 274
[email protected]

Rainfall Storages and Rainfall Data
Nick McGay,
Melbourne Water
T: (03) 9235 2278
M: 0438 981 836
[email protected]

SOURCE: Target 155