Heat drives

YARRA Valley Water is urging customers to uphold water saving efforts after water use burst through Target 155 following consecutive days of record high temperatures.
Water use in Melbourne jumped to a high of 204 litres per person per day last week, a surge of some 49 litres.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Tony Kelly called for customers to rein in their outdoor use now, as this spring heat wave could be a taste of what Melbourne could be in for this summer.
“We don’t expect people to turn off their evaporative coolers during the rest of this hot spell and we understand that some plants will be struggling,” Mr Kelly said.
“But as we’re not even in summer yet, we can’t afford this rampant water use or we will surely fail to make the 155 Target for the year.”
He said that this week’s surge was likely to be due to people giving their gardens an extra deep drink.
He suggested to help gardens cope and remain under Target 155, to water with as much grey and tank water as possible.
“It’s amazing just how much of a boost you can give your garden with a simple bucket or two in the shower or by diverting the laundry water onto your garden.
“These techniques will dramatically reduce the amount of time you need to water with tap water during your allocated watering days under Stage 3a restrictions.
“This past week has proven just how susceptible we are to hot weather combined with no rainfall, and how quickly our hard-won savings can evaporate.” Yarra Valley Water suggests implementing these top five ways to keep your garden green and make Target 155.
• Slip pot plants into shady areas or at least places shaded from the harsh midday-afternoon sun.
• Slop around the mulch – mulching your garden to at least seven centimetres will dramatically decrease evaporation.
• Slap up some temporary shade for delicate plants.
• Save every drop: A family of four can harvest an extra 140 litres of water a day for their garden by showering over the bath with the plug in and then bucketing water out onto the garden.
• Supercharge your hand watering with the addition of water crystals or seaweed solutions such as Seasol.