The increased water usage will hit householders – trying to keep cool and ensure their gardens survive – in the hip-pocket and boost State Government coffers by more than $5 million.
And there is no relief in sight as the state braces for another scorching week, with the mercury forecast to rise each day from 35C on Monday up to a blistering 42C on Thursday.
Adelaide has not had any rainfall at its official West Tce station since December 19, when 6mm was recorded.
Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Ben Owen said the last time the West Tce station did not record any January rainfall was in 1957.
The state’s water consumption between December 1 and January 18 this year was 26,581ML, compared with a 10-year average of 24,560ML.
The extra water usage so far this summer would fill more than 575 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
SA Water would receive a revenue bonus of $5.26 million from additional water use so far this summer, based on the highest price paid by householders of $3.65.
The spokeswoman said there were no plans to significantly increase capacity or production at any of SA Water’s desalination plants.
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