A report showing the current consumption rates of water in Melbourne, strategies used to save water and outlining strategies to solve our water crisis, now and in the future. By Elisa Hollows 8.4

This graph displayed here, shows clearly the rise and fall of Melbourne’s water storages, dating back to 1997 from the common pattern shown is that water supplies decreased nearly every year since It also shows that for almost every year, water supplies peaked at the start of the year, dipped and then rose up again. This is interesting, and worrying at the same time, because the maximum storage levels were commonly recorded in summer, when there is the least rainfall, and the average low was recorded in winter, where rainfall is typically the highest. Experts say that this could be caused by global warming, thus making winter temperatures rise and summer temperatures fall, impacting on annual rainfall.

Storage graph Last Updated 09-Sep-2010 blue 2008 green 2009 black % capacity = 1,812,175 ML NB: Prior to 1 July 2010, 100% capacity = 1,810,500 ML

In Melbourne, the government has put a number of measures in place to save water. At the moment we are on Stage 2 water restrictions, which allows us to water with a water efficient hose any time we like within limits, but still adheres to the Target 155 program-155 litres per person, per day. Businesses can also support the Target 155 program as well as the Our Water, our Future program for further water savings in households and businesses, as well as laying down action plans to help them save water. We also have water efficient appliances and systems that can be installed in households and businesses to help save water. As well as encouraging households and businesses to save water, the government is also proposing bigger solutions to the water crisis, are described on the next slide. These are some appliances that can be installed to help save water: Water saving showerheads Water tanks Dual flush toilet systems Aerators on taps Grey water system Recycled water system Hot water recirculator Water saving actions to help save water around the house: Use water efficient dishwashers, washing machines,etc. Check regularly for leaks Reduce showers to 4 minutes

The Government is planning a number of large projects to help secure Melbourne’s water supply in the future. Due to projected population growth and the added problem of global warming, water supplies are predicted to reduce further in the future. So the government has devised a few large construction plans that they hope will ease or even solve our water situation in the future. Solution 1. The Wonthaggi Desalination Plant This idea has been the subject of debate for a long time, and still is. Some people, including residents of Wonthaggi, a town near the coast, think that the plant will be noisy, messy, expensive and deadly to aquatic life. But others who agree with the project argue that it provides jobs, will secure our water supply and will save 150 million litres of water per year. The decision whether or not to continue with the project has not yet been finalised. Solution 2. The Sugarloaf Pipeline project This project, which is to be built in the rural area of Victoria, linking to the Goulburn River system. It is said to deliver our share of water savings to Melbourne. It will also minimise the cost of water lost through leakage in the pipes. It is estimated that this pipeline will deliver about 75 million litres to Melbourne. This pipeline was completed in February 2010.

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