By Luke Voogt
Barwon Water is ramping up its water saving campaign despite Geelong storages being almost a quarter higher than last year.
Geelong storages were at 76.8 per cent capacity on Wednesday compared to 63.3 per cent the same time last year.
Despite a wet summer so far, West Barwon Reservoir recorded below average rainfall in eight out of 12 months in 2020, Barwon Water customer general manager Jo Murdoch said.
A wet start to 2021 in the Otways had boosted storages but long-term figures were trending towards below-average rainfall and reservoir inflows, Ms Murdoch said.
“Since 1997, we have seen a 32 per cent drop in average in inflows at West Barwon Reservoir when compared to the long-term average prior to that year.”
Ms Murdoch urged customers to consider how they used water and stressed the importance of permanent restrictions to conserve water for drier summers in future.
“During the Millennium Drought, and even more recently during the 2015-16 El Niño and the hot dry start to 2019, we learned that water storages can draw down rapidly in dry periods,” she said.
“That’s why it’s crucial everyone targets their water use.
“Whether you are staying at home or visiting others across the region, it is important to conserve and preserve water.
“Permanent water saving rules are a set of common sense rules in place across our region to help conserve water all year round.”
Current restrictions prohibit customers from using water to clean hard surfaces including driveways, paths, concrete, tiles and decking, except where required due to an accident, fire, hazard or emergency.
The restrictions require customers to fit hoses with a trigger nozzle, recirculate water in water features and use irrigation systems and sprinklers only between 6pm and 10am.
The rules are uniform across Victoria and do not apply to recycled, tank or grey water.
Ms Murdoch also encouraged residents to have shorter showers, turn off the tap when brushing their teeth, use the half-flush button on toilets and report leaking taps.
“We have water saving tips on our website, and plumbing programs to help repair leaks – get in touch, we are here to help,” she said.
