Restrictions imposed by the Board of works on the use of water in the metropolitan area, because of the exceptional drought, are in operation in Melbourne and suburbs.

Sprinklers, fixed or movable, have been prohibited for watering gardens, and the use of water for street flushing has been restricted.

Gardens may be watered by a hand-can or by a hose, which must be held in the hand. Hoses must not be placed on the ground.

...Many small creeks and waterways which supply water for the reservoirs have gone dry for the first time.

[WT, 14/1/39]

Nine deaths have now occurred from the effects of the heat wave, the worst and most widespread for many years, in which every state except Tasmania has sweltered.

Following two week-end deaths at Birchip, two men have died in Melbourne, one in Hamilton, two in Albury, and two infants in Western Australia on Monday.

Read more about water restrictions in Melbourne in 2002-3 in the Timeline section

[WT, 14/1/39]