Melbourne Avoids Stage 4 Water Restrictions

Melbourne households have beat Target 155 in its first year of operation helping to ensure that Stage 4 water restrictions won’t be introduced in Melbourne.

Melburnians have used on average 153 litres per person per day since the Target 155 campaign was introduced – a saving of over 16 billion litres of water from the previous year.

Water Minister Tim Holding today announced Stage 3a restrictions and Target 155 would remain in place until at least 31 March 2010 when restrictions would be reviewed as major water projects continue to come online.

“The Brumby Government’s major water projects like the desalination plant and the Sugarloaf Pipeline are the roadmap back from severe water restrictions,” Mr Holding said.

“All Melburnians should be congratulated for their fantastic water saving efforts. In 2007/08, Melburnians used on average 165 litres per person per day –12 litres more per person per day since Target 155 was introduced.

“Without the combined approach of Target 155 and Stage 3a water restrictions, we would have been forced into Stage 4 which would have had severe impact on businesses, community sportsgrounds and households as Melbourne’s gardens died.

“Stage 3a water restrictions and Target 155 will stay in place this summer to ensure we continue to save water over what is expected to be another long, hot and dry summer.”

Victoria’s water authorities will report back to the Government about how water restrictions could apply with new sources of water.

Mr Holding said the major water projects include:

• The Sugarloaf Pipeline which is due to begin pumping 75 billion litres of water from as early as February – several months ahead of schedule;

• The Desalination Project which will provide up to 150 billion litres of water each year from late 2011; and

• The Tarago Reservoir which was reconnected to Melbourne’s water supplies adding 15 billion litres of water.

“The desalination plant, which can provide over a third of Melbourne’s water every year regardless of rainfall, will be our insurance policy against drought and climate change,” Mr Holding said.

Melbourne’s water storages are currently at 38 per cent.

Yarra Valley Water Managing Director and Target 155 spokesperson Tony Kelly said Target 155 had been a great success.

“Today as we celebrate achieving 153, we cannot afford to become complacent. We must look for ways to save water in the summer months – when we experience extremely hot days and weeks without rain – and are more likely to overshoot the Target,” Mr Kelly said.

“The biggest savings can be achieved with everyday actions, such as watering the garden first with grey water, having four minute showers with efficient showerheads and fixing dripping taps.”

More details about Target 155 and Stage 3a water restrictions and water saving tips are available at to www.target155.vic.gov.au or from your local water authority.

Topics: Australia, Brumby Government, conservation, envrionment, Governance, grey water, Melbourne, rain, showerheads, Stage 4 Water Restrictions, Sugarloaf Pipeline, Target 155, Victoria, water projects, water restrictions

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