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Water, water everywhere ... and more of it!Candowie Reservoir is bigger than before – a new survey of the reservoir’s capacity has shown it holds 2.5% more water than originally thought. By Susan Webster - 11th October 2007 - Back to News Last summer’s drought gave Westernport Water a rare chance to look at the levels of the reservoir.
With water levels at a historic low, surveyors were able to get a more accurate picture of what lies below the waves. And it is good news. The results were compiled and the reservoir’s capacity calculated at 2263 million litres, or megalitres, instead of the earlier figure of 2207 megalitres.
Westernport Water’s Manager - Assets and Operations, Steven Porter said: "The survey gives us a better understanding of the reservoir, ahead of future augmentation as described in our new Water Plan.
"Mathematicians will realise that the larger volume will marginally lower the weekly capacity graph displayed outside Westernport Water’s Newhaven offices, and on our website (www.westernportwater.com.au).
"This change reflects the change in capacity, not a sudden drop in water levels."
All Westernport Water’s documentation will now be modified to incorporate the new measurement.
Meanwhile, careful water use and clever reservoir augmentation has left Westernport Water in a winning position for summer.
Even if it doesn’t rain between now and May, the Candowie Reservoir is likely to have sufficient water … even at increased usages associated with Stage Two restrictions.
Westernport Water’s Managing Director David Mawer said: "At the beginning of October last year we were at 38% of reservoir capacity. This year the figure is 93%.
"And our customers are to be congratulated for restricting their water use. At the beginning of October last year, weekly usage was 35.67 ML, compared to this year’s figure of 34.43ML.
"With all of us continuing to exercise reasonable restraint in our water use, there should be sufficient water at Stage Two levels. However, if the situation changes at any time, we will modify that water restriction level."
He added: "The experience of last summer has given us all a sharp lesson in the need for water conservation. At Westernport Water we are actively recycling rainwater at our head office and boosting use of recycled water. We only ask that our customers be as mindful of this precious resource we all share."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: susanw@ptarmigan.com.au
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