Berwick gets a top drop

BERWICK received more spring rain than any other south-eastern suburb over the past three months, according to Melbourne Water.
Berwick topped the list with 352 millimetres of rain, while Narre Warren North was a close second with 320mm.
The figures should come as no surprise to people caught out in the downpour two weeks ago, which flooded streets and caused ceilings to collapse.
Fountain Gate Shopping Centre was evacuated after rain fell on movie-goers. The cinemas were closed for a week as staff mopped up damage to carpet, chairs and plastering.
The nearby City of Casey council offices were also evacuated.
Melbourne Water’s water supply manager John Woodland said spring marked a return to the wet weather traditionally seen across Melbourne at this time of year – but the November hot spell highlighted the uncertain climate.
“Last year’s rainfall was much higher than spring, but we’ve seen the reverse this year,” Mr Woodland said.
“However, three months of rain does not make up for 13 years of drought, and water storages are now entering summer at the second-lowest levels on record.”
Mr Woodland also praised Melburnians for reducing their water consumption by 33 million litres per day compared to last spring’s figures.
“Without Melbourne households, business and industry continuing to use less water, our storages would be lower as we head in to summer,” he said.