River Murray flows

Latest news and updates

Flow outlook - 28 February 2025

The flow at the South Australian border is approximately 7.6 GL/day and is expected to remain at that flow rate over the coming week, depending on river operations.

The current flow at the border comprises the full February Entitlement Flow (6.9 GL/day) plus water for the environment, interstate trade adjustments and adjustment for deferred entitlement flows, which are stored and accumulated for critical human water needs during dry periods.

The flow over Lock 1 this Friday will be approximately 5.5 GL/day and is expected to remain at approximately 5.5 GL/day by next Friday.

It is important to note that flow forecasts in this advice are based on the information available at the time of preparation. Advice may change as new gauging information becomes available or due to rainfall events or changed operations upstream.

Water levels

Current water levels are updated daily and can be found at the following link: https://www.waterconnect.sa.go.

Upstream flows and storages

Rainfall over the past week in the Murray-Darling Basin was very low with only a few locations receiving up to 5mm. Further rainfall information can be found at http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/maps/rainfall/

As of 27 February, Dartmouth Dam storage has fallen slightly to 3297GL, or 86% of capacity, while Hume Dam storage reduced to 1,040 GL, or 35% of capacity. Storage in the Menindee Lakes has decreased to 703 GL, or 35% of capacity. Roughly 370 GL has reached the Menindee Lakes from the last event, with another 20–30 GL expected by late March. Inflows from the Northern Basinare delivering water of varying quality into the Menindee Lakes. Releases from Menindee Lakes at Weir 32 are currently targeting 1.2 GL/day.

Lake Victoria storage is currently at 336 GL, or 49% capacity. Releases from Lake Victoria are currently contributing to approximately 77% of the flow to South Australia.

Meanwhile, flows at the South Australian border averaged around 7.9 GL/day over the past week.

This forecast remains subject to change, depending on river operations and catchment rainfall. More information on upstream conditions and forecasts can be found in the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Weekly Flow Report here: https://www.mdba.gov.au/water-management/regular-reports-murray-data-storages/weekly-reports.

Water for the Environment Delivery

Throughout February, approximately 1 GL/day of water for the environment will be delivered to SA in addition to SA’s entitlement flow. This environmental water will help to ensure that all 11 fishways can continue to pass small volumes of freshwater to the Coorong over summer. This allows movement and migration for our native fish. Water for the environment also continues to be delivered as part of SA’s Entitlement flow.

Approximately 30 GL of environmental water is expected to be delivered to the Lower Lakes during March. In addition to allowing fishways to remain open, the environmental water will also contribute to slowing the decline in lake levels over this period.

Water for the environment is currently being pumped or gravity fed to sites managed by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.

Murray Mouth

Dredging operations at the Murray Mouth have recommenced on the Tauwitchereside.

Barrage releases, combined with dredging throughout most of the year, help to maintain flow connectivity of the River Murray Channel to the Murray Mouth and assist in exporting salt from the river system.

Exclusion Zones established around the dredging operations are in place to ensure public safety. Refer to Notice to Mariners No 61 of 2023.

Barrage Operations and Water Levels in the Lower Lakes

As of the 27th of February, the water level in Lake Alexandrina is approximately 0.56m AHD and Lake Albert is approximately 0.53m AHD noting that lake levels can fluctuate considerably depending on wind conditions.

The Lower Lakes are managed, as far as practicable, to target a daily average lake level between 0.65m AHD and 0.75m AHD throughout February. High demand, hot temperatures and high winds over the summer have resulted in lake levels receding below the bottom of the planned operating range for this time of year, however, remain well above the Basin Plan target of 0.4m AHD for 95% of the time.

During adverse weather conditions and high tides, SA Water will operate the barrages to minimise the risk of seawater entering Lake Alexandrina, therefore minimising any negative salinity impacts from reverse flow events. Barrage operations will continue to be undertaken dependent on upstream flows, lake levels and variable weather conditions.

Gate openings at the barrages can now be viewed on Water Data SA - Barrage dashboard.

Total daily flow releases from the barrages can also be found on Water Data SA - Flows dashboard.

Water Quality

Algal blooms upstream of SA

WaterNSW has issued red alerts for blue-green algae (BGA) at Lake Menindee and the Great Darling Anabranch has a red alert at the Silver City Highway testing location. In the Murray River, amber and green BGA alerts are in effect from Lake Hume to the South Australian border.

Victoria’s Goulburn-Murray Water has issued BGA warnings for Newlyn Reservoir, Torgannah Lagoon, Cairn Curran Reservoir, Murray Valley Irrigation Area 3-5 Channel/spurs, Hepburns Lagoon and Torrumbarry Irrigation Area Gum/No.2 Lagoons.

A red alert from WaterNSW indicates a toxic algal bloom, making the water dangerous for humans and animals. An amber alert signifies that the water is unsuitable for drinking and may be unsafe for stock watering. Water users should exercise caution and avoid areas where signs of blue-green algae are visible.

At the time of publishing, there are no BGA alerts in South Australia.

SA Water routinely monitors the quality of several public water resources for microbiological (e.g. blue green algae, E. coli, protozoa) and chemical levels and provides results to SA Health. In the event that a health risk to the public is identified, a health advice will be issued on the SAHealth website - Water quality alerts page.

Details of the current alert locations can be found on the WaterNSW website - Algae Alerts page.

River Murray River Vessel Waste Disposal Stations

The Lock 3 River Vessel Waste Disposal Station has been out of commission since January 2020 due to a significant infrastructure failure. The nearest alternative waste facility is located at Waikerie. Normal boat hard waste (domestic or galley waste) can still be deposited at the Lock 3 facility at the present time.

You can report any River Vessel Waste Disposal Station issues on 1800 799 065.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the DEW Engagement Team on DEW.WIOCommunications@sa.gov.au

SA River Murray flow information

You can keep up to date on SA River Murray flow rates, water levels, barrage operations, navigation issues and construction activities by accessing current and previous issues of the SA River Murray Flow Report. You can also subscribe to receive the Flow Report by email.

The public are encouraged to regularly check the SA Government Recovery websiteand the South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) website, which includes information on current warnings, with near real-time information. The Bureau of Meteorology is responsible for flood prediction, warnings and advice for the River Murray in all states which can be accessed at http://www.bom.gov.au/sa/warnings/

Useful information

What is the difference between high flows and floods?

What are high flows?

High flows occur when River Murray flows reach 40 gigalitres per day (GL/day) at the South Australian border, with target high flows for environmental benefits being between 40GL/day and 80GL/day (Fig.2). These levels may cause water from the main river channel to flow over riverbanks, into surrounding creeks, lakes, wetlands and floodplains.

What are the effects of high flows?

High flows between 40GL/day and 80GL/day, generate system-wide environmental benefits, including keeping the Murray Mouth open, flushing salt, removing environmental debris, adjusting soil salinity levels, replenishing groundwater storage, creating breeding and feeding opportunities for water-dependant ecosystems, and providing additional water to precious wetlands and floodplains.

What are floods?

Floods can occur when River Murray flows exceed 100 GL/day (Fig.2), resulting in an overflow of water beyond the normal limits of a watercourse, and water extending over what is usually dry land. An example of this is when rivers break their banks and water covers the surrounding land.

What are the effects of floods?

While providing similar environmental benefits as high flows, major flooding such as the 2022-23 River Murray flood event, can cause damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, with a lengthy and costly recovery process for river communities.

High flow advice

In the interests of community safety, the following precautions are recommended:

Don’t drive, ride or walk through flood-affected causeways or roads.
Be aware that significant debris is being carried downstream and may pose a hazard to water-based activities.
When operating a boat on the floodplain or near inundated riverbanks, be aware of submerged obstacles such as trees and fence lines.
Landholders, especially those with shacks or other structures in low-lying areas, should consider securing their property from likely rising water levels.
The hazards associated with riverbank collapse still exist in some areas so be aware of the signs - such as cracked riverbanks and leaning trees and keep away from fenced or sign-posted affected areas.
Regularly monitor river levels in your local area, and take care not to become isolated by rising water.
Always wear a personal floatation device on the river.
Do not jump or dive into the river when you do not know what is below the surface.
Camp on higher ground away from the river bank.
Supervise children at all times and do not allow them to play in or near fast-flowing river water.
If in doubt, stay out.
Listen and take action on any instructions from the emergency services - the SES, SA Police and the CFS.
Tune to ABC local radio for community safety information.

High flow frequently asked questions

What is a River Murray High Flow Advice?

A High Flow Advice is not a flood warning, but an alert of a higher than average river current. The flow identified in a High Flow Advice is a figure that may occur, and subsequent forecasting will refine the figure.

The purpose of the High Flow Advice is to create raised alertness and monitoring in the community of the danger associated with flows in the River, and prevent unnecessary losses to the community.

Is it safe to go to the River Murray during high flows?

Yes, people are encouraged to enjoy the River Murray, while being aware of the hazards and acting responsibly to stay safe.

During high flows, T River Murray water level is higher than normal, and the flow is also faster. The main river channel may contain debris and other submerged hazards and will be harder to navigate by swimming or boat.

What is at risk of being flooded?

When the flow at the SA border is in the range of 40 to 60 GL/day, there is a small likelihood of extra inundation in the River Murray. The River channel will transport the extra flow through the locks and weirs, which causes a higher river current.

What are the flood warnings for the SA River Murray?

Flood level descriptions are based on flows at the SA-Victoria border as follows.

Up to 40 GL/day - within the normal range, and no warnings are required.
Above 40 GL/day - High Flow Advice is issued by DEW.
Above 60 GL/day - River Murray towns are unaffected and a High Flow Advice remains in place. Low lying areas and floodplains become inundated and a Flood Advice - River Murray Shack Areas between Cadell and Mannum (not towns) is issued by SES.
From 100 GL/day - a Flood Advice - River Murray is issued by SES.
From 130 GL/day - a Flood Watch and Act – River Murray is issued by SES.
From 200 GL/day - a Flood Emergency Warning – River Murray is issued by SES.
The Bureau of Meteorology also issues flood warning products (warnings, watches, bulletins) complementary to those issued by the SES.

Further information

Requests for assistance for on-water incidents or inundation of property should be directed to the SA State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500. More information can be found on the SES website: https://www.ses.sa.gov.au/home

The Water Data SA website is South Australia’s comprehensive water information portal for real-time data (like salinity, water levels).

Up-to-date River Murray salinity, flow and water level information can also be accessed at the SA Water and Murray-Darling Basin Authority websites:

The Department for Environment and Water has published a series of River Murray inundation maps.

Details of river height and rainfall information in the River Murray within Victoria and New South Wales are available at the Bureau of Meteorology website:

The National Parks and Wildlife website will provide updates on any areas of National Parks that are impacted under a high flow. Visit their Closures and Alerts page to find out more: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/closures-and-alerts