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MELBOURNE - The Victorian government has told residents to use as much water as they need to keep safe during the current brutally hot spell.
But the state authority also had a warning - don't overdo it.
Victorians have sweltered through a record third day of 40 degree plus temperatures - the state's worst heatwave in a century.
Figures released by Melbourne Water today showed consumption soared as residents battled the heat, averaging out at 207 litres per person per day.
That's well above the government's target of 155 litres per person per day.
Water Minister Tim Holding said the spike was to be expected.
"We're very grateful for the efforts people have gone to in recent weeks to try and reduce their water consumption," Mr Holding told reporters.
"We understand that in this incredibly hot environment people need to be mindful of their own health and their own wellbeing and so if you need water for drinking purposes and for keeping cool, then use what you need, obviously."
- AAP
