River Murray water allocations raised to 81 percent
Minimum water allocations for South Australian River Murray irrigators have been lifted to 81 percent in the latest Water Allocation Statement issued today by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).
DEW’s River Murray Water Delivery Manager, Chrissie Bloss, said the increased allocation is based on the latest advice from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).
“Under the updated minimum water availability scenario issued by the MDBA, South Australia will now receive 1,370 gigalitres (GL), an improvement of 30 GL from the last assessment,” Ms Bloss said.
“While there has been some rainfall across the Basin over the last few weeks, it has not been enough to significantly improve water availability to South Australia.
“Most inflows to the River Murray system historically occur between July and November so we can expect further increases in water availability for South Australian irrigators in the coming weeks and months”.
Water availability projections released by DEW today indicate that it is likely that allocations will reach 100 percent by November. Water users are again reminded that there is a 100 percent limit on the combined allocation and carryover volumes granted under Class 3 (High Security) entitlements.
However, under a rule change that applies from 1 July 2020, any allocation improvements that would take your account above 100 percent in 2020-21 will go into your rollover account. Rollover volumes would only be available if carryover is then triggered for 2021-22.
“DEW will continue to evaluate advice received from the MDBA. Revised statements will be issued twice a month while irrigation allocations remain below 100 percent”, Ms Bloss said.
For more information about water allocations visit the Department for Environment and Water’s website.
