Melburnians told to save a drop on World Water Day, as storages drop below 55 per cent

Households are being urged to “do their bit” to cut water use as storages plunge to the lowest levels since the Millennium drought. Here’s how to save a drop.

Households are being urged to “do their bit” to cut water use as storages plunge to the lowest levels since the Millennium drought.

Water authorities are reminding Melburnians to conserve water on World Water Day on Friday, including by shortening showers, fixing leaking taps, and watering the garden at night.

Melbourne’s water storages have dipped below 55 per cent, the lowest level since just after the drought broke.

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Levels are 157 billion litres — or the equivalent of 100 MCGs of water — down compared with the same time last year.

It prompted the government to earlier this week place a record 125-gigalitre order from the Wonthaggi desalination plant, and sparked concern more severe water saving measures could soon be introduced.

Thomson Dam is at 38, but water is being let out at 4 times the usual amount.

Melbourne Water said higher temperatures, longer drier periods and a surging population that has soared by 1.4 million people since 2001 was draining storages.

“Overall demand for water has risen by 10.7% over the last 5 years,” Melbourne Water’s Craig Dixon said.

“Water is essential to our quality and way of life and every Melburnian can do their bit to reduce their water usage.”

Melburnians on average use 161L of water per person per day — 6L, or two thirds of a bucket, above the targeted 155.

Showers account for 32 per cent of household use, followed by 18 per cent from toilets and 16 per cent outdoors.

Victorian water storages have dropped below 55 per cent. Picture: Andy Rogers

Taps account for 12 per cent of total usage, the laundry nine per cent and the bat five per cent.

Yarra Valley Water managing director Pat McCafferty said saving water was not hard.

Cutting the length of a shower from seven to six minutes per day would save 3000L of water per person each year.

“Households are the largest water using segment in Melbourne, so saving water at home has a beneficial impact on our water supplies as well as on your household costs,” Mr McCafferty said.

“It doesn’t have to be difficult, a few small tweaks can make a difference.”

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