South-east Queensland's drinking water usage has reached the highest level since before the 2000s drought, as authorities predict combined dam levels will fall below 70 per cent in the coming days.
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Seqwater, the organisation responsible for 3.1 million Queenslanders' drinking water supply, has issued a warning asking people to cut down on water use ahead of a warm, dry autumn.
The organisation is relaunching its community campaign Water Wise to give people ideas on how to reduce water in the home.
On Sunday morning, average dam levels across south-east Queensland's 12 dams sat at 70.5 per cent, or 1,548,104 megalitres.
Lake Wivenhoe is at 60.8 per cent capacity and Somerset Dam at 76.4 per cent.
"The combination of hot, dry conditions, high water use and little or no rain has seen dam levels fall steadily," Seqwater chief executive Neil Brennan said.
"The Bureau of Meteorology predicts below average rainfall for autumn with warm conditions continuing into April.
"It’s time to start the conversation with SEQ consumers about being more water wise – especially with consumption per person hitting heights we’ve not seen since before the Millennium Drought."
Water usage has increased since last year, with the average person using 211 litres per month in January and February.
That's almost 25 litres more more than in the same period last year.
“In January, water use across SEQ peaked at a record 239 litres per person per day; the highest it’s been since before the Millennium Drought," Mr Brennan said.
In 2016 a lower "full" capacity was set for Wivenhoe and Somerset dams, at 90 and 80 per cent respectively, while improvement work was completed at Somerset Dam.
The Bureau of Meteorology announced the past summer was Australia's warmest on record, with summer rain falling short in many areas.
"Unfortunately, the outlook isn't giving a strong indication that we'll see above average rainfall in many areas over the autumn period," weather bureau long-range forecasting manager Dr Andrew Watkins said last week.
"Autumn is obviously a critical time of year for the agriculture sector in parts of the country.
"It's important to remember that despite what the outlook is suggesting, individual heavy rainfall events are always possible, and people should stay up to date with the latest seven-day forecast and warnings for their area."
