¶ RECENT rainfall provided a welcome end to Collie’s dry run of weather but a lot more is needed to boost local dam levels.
A Water Corporation spokesperson told the Bulletin dams across the South West are holding just 34.6 percent of their combined capacity following below average rainfall over the last 12 months.
“Collie is connected to the Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme, which receives drinking water from the Harris and Stirling dams,” the spokesperson said.
“Harris Dam is currently just under 20 percent full, while Stirling Dam is holding 52 percent of its capacity.”
The Wellington and Glen Mervyn dams are used for irrigation and are not part of the wider drinking water scheme.
Annual rainfall has declined by 20 percent across WA since the 1970s, resulting in an 80 percent reduction in streamflow to dams.
Water Corporation is encouraging residents to be “waterwise”, limiting usage and contributing to water security.
“Simple actions, like maintaining a waterwise garden, fixing household leaks, limiting showers to four minutes and using efficient fixtures can make a big difference,” the spokesperson said.
The winter sprinkler switch-off is also now in effect across the South West, running through to August 31.
“Turning off sprinklers during the cooler months is an easy-yet-effective way to help conserve our precious water resources for the warmer months when we need them most,” the spokesperson said.