Despite record rainfall, Melbourne’s water catchments are at lower levels than last year

MELBOURNE’S water catchments have missed out on the latest big wet despite dams and reservoirs filling to capacity around the state.

Despite record rainfall, Melbourne’s dams are at far lower levels than this point last year. Picture: Travis Carroll

MELBOURNE’S water catchments have missed out on the latest big wet despite dams and reservoirs filling to capacity around the state.

The city’s main reservoirs remain at below-average levels after the record rainfall in September did not land where it was needed most.

As it marks the 20th anniversary of the beginning of the millennial drought that resulted in citywide water restrictions, Melbourne Water has confirmed its catchments remained 11 per cent below the 30-year average. Integrated planning general manager Chris Williams said storages had increased by just 2 per cent.

“Storage levels have not yet fully recovered from the millennium drought and have experienced a downward trend over the past couple of years,’’ he said.

“Last year, inflows were actually lower than the average experienced during that time.”

He said that in 2006, Melbourne’s water storages dropped from about 60 to 40 per cent in a single year, demonstrating how quickly things could change.

Thomson Reservoir, Melbourne's largest dam, viewed from Cast Iron Point lookout. The reservoir is at 80% capacity Picture: ANDY ROGERS

“Storages are 69.86 per cent full compared to 74.1 per cent at the same time last year,” Mr Williams said.

Experts have also pointed to a shift in rainfall patterns that have left Melbourne’s water ­reserves below par.

Melbourne Water catchments, including O’Shannassy, Maroondah, Upper Yarra and Thomson reservoirs, had only average run off last month despite record rainfall across Victoria’s central west and north.

“Storage levels don’t always rise when it rains. Just like a sponge, dry catchment soils can absorb available moisture to support vegetation, leaving little or none to run off into the reservoirs,’’ Mr Williams said.

He said last month’s inflows were 27.1 per cent below the 30 year average for the month.