Rain brings relief with record falls

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Somerset Dam

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IT is a sight which many thought would never be seen again.

For the first time in almost a decade, the combined capacity of South East Queensland’s three major dams in close to 100 per cent.

In the past week a steady flow of rain has seen the combined levels of Somerset, Wivenhoe and North Pine Dams increase by about 20 per cent.

Last Tuesday evening Somerset reached capacity and water has been released into Wivenhoe.

Premier Anna Bligh said continuing rain had helped push the combined levels of Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine Dams.

“Over the weekend alone, inflows added a further eight per cent to our dams – which haven’t been this full since July 2001,” she said.

“But things can change quickly, less than three years ago dam levels were at an alarming low of 16.7 per cent.

“We can’t afford to be complacent, and we must treat water as a precious resource not to be wasted whether our dams are 50 or 100 per cent.

“Under current water conservation measures in place across the South East people can water their gardens between the hours of 4pm and 10am every day but Mondays within the 200 litres per person per day target.

“To put that in perspective, last week the region’s average daily use was 155 litres per person, well below the current target.

While areas like St George and Roma have received too much rain the Lockyer and Brisbane Valleys have rejoiced in what has fallen to the ground.

The SES has been run off their feet in the western areas of Queensland and sent out a timely reminder that in a life threatening situation residents are urged to call Triple Zero (000).

If residents require assistance during a heavy rain or a flood they should call the SES on 132 500.

The combined levels on the dam are unlikely to reach capacity unless more rain falls this week.