Increased allocation for SA River Murray irrigators
The 2026-27 water allocation for South Australian River Murray irrigators has increased from 83 per cent to 92 per cent.
This is the second increase since the projected minimum allocation of 62 per cent was announced on April 15, which was based on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s “worst case” water availability.
Under the water allocation plan (WAP) for the South Australian River Murray, which was developed in partnership with irrigators and other stakeholders, allocations are determined using a deliberately conservative approach to minimise the risk of allocations going backwards over a water year.
The updated allocation reflects the moderate to high rainfall across the southern Murray Darling Basin during June, which has improved inflows to the River Murray System.
Further allocation improvements during 2026-27 remain possible, with most River Murray system inflows historically occurring between July and November.
Current projections indicate a high likelihood of allocations reaching 100 per cent under most scenarios.
However, future improvements are not guaranteed, with the three-month Bureau of Meteorology outlook indicating that below-average rainfall is expected in parts of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Irrigators are not eligible to carry over any unused allocation volumes from 2025-26 into the 2026-27 water year, as the minimum opening allocation announced on 15 April exceeded 50 per cent, consistent with the rules in the WAP.
Fortnightly updates will continue while allocations remain below 100 per cent, with the next update on July 15.
Renee Thompson, the Department for Environment and Water’s Water Delivery Manager, said the increase reflected improved water resource conditions in the Murray Darling Basin.
“The recent rainfall across the southern Murray Darling Basin has improved inflows into the River Murray System, increasing the shared resource available to South Australia,” Ms Thompson said.
“The increase provides greater certainty for River Murray entitlement holders as they plan for the season ahead.”
For more information visit the Department for Environment and Water’s website and the Murray- Darling Basin Authority website.
