Target 155 - We Were Doing So Well - Water Use Hits Summer High Of 189 Litres

WE WERE DOING SO WELL
LET THE RAIN DO YOUR GARDEN WATERING THIS WEEKEND

Melbourne's average daily water use has surged by 32 litres per person in the past week, to a summer high of 189 litres per person per day. This represents the highest weekly target figure since last November's sustained heat wave, and is the highest weekly average figure this summer.

Even more marked is Melbourne's water consumption since Sunday, averaging 202 litres per person per day, with Sunday's and Tuesday's water consumption soaring to 213 and 216 litres per person per day respectively.

Water authorities are calling for Melburnians to apply the same diligence they have illustrated in saving water throughout the year, to help stem the significant swell in residential consumption when the mercury tops 30C.

"We're not asking people to forego their evaporative air coolers during the heat of summer, but we are asking Melburnians to be extra vigilant on the hottest of days - to keep their showers to less than four minutes - to help mitigate the considerable strain such hot days place on our storages," asserts Mr Tony Kelly, Yarra Valley Water Managing Director and spokesperson for Target 155.

"We can see from our usage figures, that this week's high consumption is likely to be due to people running their evaporative air conditioners for most of the weekend, alongside some gardens being watered outside the specified watering hours of 6-8am," explains Mr Kelly.

"It is vital for Melburnians to only water their gardens during their specified watering days and times under Stage 3a water restrictions. Our sustained water savings achieved through restrictions and Target 155 has protected our storages and has sheltered us from Stage 4 restrictions. Despite the encouraging January rain, Stage 3a water restrictions are still in place and Authorised Water Officers are actively enforcing them right across Melbourne," comments Mr Kelly.

"As thunderstorms and rain are forecasted for Thursday afternoon and Friday, we're asking Melburnians to let the rain water their gardens this weekend - to bring us back on track. Remember to switch off any automatic watering systems or alternatively look into installing a low cost moisture sensor for your watering system to optimise the watering of your garden," explains Mr Kelly.

Melbourne's water storages have continued to decline this week, to less than 36 per cent full - confirming the need to diversify Melbourne's water supply. Work is currently underway to build Australia's largest desalination plant, upgrade irrigation channels and expand the water grid. But we all need to keep saving water.

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
*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, T155 Media Manager
M: 0421 465 274
[email protected]

Rainfall Storages and Rainfall Data
Nick McGay, Melbourne Water
M: 0438 981 836
[email protected]

SOURCE: Target 155