Combined with the mercury rising across the Goulburn Valley, the water authority is using this as a platform to call on customers to think closely about their water use this summer.
New numbers released by the authority found Shepparton used almost 3500 Ml in the three months from last December to February 2018, Tatura used about 700Ml, Euroa used just over 200 Ml and Nagambie about 150 Ml.
Seymour used 400 Ml, Nathalia 130 Ml, Cobram about 650 Ml and Numurkah just less than 300 Ml across summer.
GV Water’s usage data demonstrates that consumption last summer spiked in January across the broader region, with a total of 3398 Ml, compared to 2728 Ml in December and 2964 Ml in February.
With some areas receiving lower-than-average rainfall combined with a warmer-than-average summer, the message is that using water responsibly is up to everybody.
GVW operations manager Steven Nash said while water storages were still healthy, it was everyone’s responsibility to use water wisely, especially during a potentially dry summer.
‘‘Following the permanent water saving rules ensures we can help manage water sustainably for the future,’’ Mr Nash said.
‘‘Watering your garden in the evening or early morning helps reduce water lost to evaporation and maximises absorption, and using a trigger nozzle on your hose helps control the flow of water if you’re watering your garden with a hand-held hose.
‘‘Set your sprinklers to run later in the evening, so it doesn’t impact on the water pressure when your household’s at its busiest with showers, dishwashing and other water-related activities.
‘‘Following the permanent water saving rules can also help reduce pressure on our supply systems and allows our treatment plants to recover to meet demand during peak usage.’’
Permanent water saving rules were introduced in 2011 across Victoria and are part of the Victorian government’s target your water use program, which is designed to improve water use efficiency. These rules include sprinklers being used after 6pm or before 10am; hand-held hoses can be used any time if a trigger nozzle is attached; and brooms or blowers must be used to clean hard surfaces.