River Murray water allocations to open at 100 per cent
South Australian River Murray water allocations will open at the full 100 per cent for the 2021-22 water year.
Manager Water Delivery Chrissie Bloss said with favourable conditions across the Murray‑Darling Basin and good levels of water in storage, irrigators can commence the new water year on 1 July with 100 per cent allocation.
“Today’s announcement is a positive turnaround from last year when widespread dry conditions saw opening allocations start at only 40 per cent,” Chrissie said.
“What we’ve experienced over summer is relatively mild conditions followed by decent rainfall across the Basin.
“This has seen water in storages at a level much higher than we’ve had in June in recent years, including significant inflows into the Menindee Lakes, allowing us to start the 2021-22 water year in great shape.”
Chrissie said as part of the department’s efforts to provide early advice to help irrigators manage their water, DEW has launched the SA River Murray Water Calculator.
“Irrigators are encouraged to access the calculator and see how it may be able to help with their business planning.
“Providing early advice and business tools like the calculator allows irrigators to make informed investment decisions around what they’ll do with their crops and perennial plantings, and manage business certainty.”
For more information visit: www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/river-murray
