Highest storage level for Perth's metropolitan dams

5/8/96

Perth's metropolitan dam system has reached its highest storage level since January, 1994.

Water Resources Minister Roger Nicholls said today that heavy rains and constant run-off had taken the storage level to 286 million kilolitres, which was 41 per cent of total capacity.

Last year's highest storage level was 40 per cent of capacity.

"The increased storage level is wonderful news," Mr Nicholls said.

"But people should still plan their spring and summer gardening without the use of sprinklers between 9 am and 6 pm.

"This 'waterwise' behaviour we have adopted as a community has become a way of life and it makes sense to continue with it.

"With a growing population, water conservation will always be a vital part of our lifestyle."

Mr Nicholls said that the highest storage ever achieved in the metropolitan system was 474 million kilolitres in October, 1974. This was 68 per cent of current storage capacity.

The seven main dams in the metropolitan system also serve the Goldfields and wheatbelt.

Their current storage levels in millions of kilolitres, with capacity in brackets, are:

Mundaring 51.8 (64)

Canning 49.8 (90)

Serpentine 70.5 (190)

North Dandalup 31.4 (76)

South Dandalup 45.4 (205)

Wungong 28.1 (60)

Victoria 4.5 (9.5).

The balance of the 286 million kl in storage was held in small facilities such as the Serpentine and Conjurunup pipeheads.

Media contact Hugh Ryan 322 6529