Levees
Intermediate remediation of the LMRIA levees project
The Federal and South Australian Governments are jointly funding a program of intermediate remediation works to government and private levees that were damaged in the 2022-23 River Murray flood event. These works will return significantly flood-damaged sections of the LMRIA levees to their pre-flood height.
Intermediate remediation work is progressing at Pompoota and Mypolonga, and site preparation for works have begun at Long Flat. Full condition assessments, to determine condition and serviceability, including impacts incurred during the flood event are underway. The first stage, consisting of on-site visual inspections has now commenced for private levees following the recent completion of government levees. Preparations continue for the second stage, consisting of further investigations and testing.
Where intermediate remediation works are required for government levees, they will remain closed until the works are progressively completed and subsequent safe access is determined over the next 12-18 months. Any government-owned levee not requiring intermediate remediation work will remain closed pending the outcome of a full condition assessment and a safety risk assessment to ensure they are safe for public access. The government-owned levee banks are Cowirra, Neeta, Wall Flat, Pompoota, Mypolonga, Mobilong, Burdett, Long Flat, Monteith and Jervois. Access to private levees is at the landholder’s discretion, however, access is not permitted where remediation works are being undertaken.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance and the Department for Environment and Water will keep the community informed of the progress of the project, including when levees may be accessible to the public, through its website and newsletter.
For more information, please visit Department for Environment and Water - Levees
View Intermediate Remediation of LMRIA Levees Factsheet.
If you have queries, please contact the Department for Environment and Water through the following channels:
Lisa van der Linde, Communications and Engagement Officer on 0437 313 087 or Lisa.vanderlinde@sa.gov.au or the DEW Communications and Engagement team on DEW.WIOCommunications@sa.gov.au.
River Murray flow in South Australia
The flow at the South Australian border is approximately 12 GL/day and will decrease to around 9 GL/day over the coming week depending on river operations.
The SA River Murray Flow Report is issued weekly and provides information on flows across the SA border, water levels, river infrastructure and impacts to the river. Click here to subscribe to this report.
Upstream flows
The environmental water release that commenced from Menindee Lakes in late May peaked at around 3.8GL per day on 5 June is now complete and flow releases at Menindee Lakes are now back to normal. This release is part of a trial to improve environmental flow connectivity between the northern and southern parts of the Murray-Darling Basin.
The lower quality water from the trial reached the River Murray at Wentworth around 19 June with most of the poorer quality water from the Darling being captured in Lake Victoria, where it has been held to provide further dilution and improve its quality. A small portion of the more turbid, poorer quality water that was not captured in Lake Victoria is being observed near Lock 5.
A separate environmental water release from the Goulburn River system in Victoria commenced in late June. Flows of good quality water from this event have reached the South Australian border and will assist in freshening the quality of flow to South Australia. Water from the Darling River trial that has been stored in Lake Victoria is now being released to coincide with the timing of the Goulburn River environmental water to further improve dilution. This has resulted in an increase to flows and a pulse which will remain steady at approximately 12-14 GL/day until late July at the South Australian border. Flows will then begin to recede from late July to early August down to approximately 5-6 GL/day.
Water authorities are continuing to undertake increased water quality monitoring in Lake Victoria and the River Murray. Observations and water quality sampling undertaken to date indicates that the lower quality Darling River water appears to be substantially diluted when it joins the River Murray and, to date, levels of toxin producing Blue Green Algae remain well below alert thresholds. River users may notice a change in appearance and increase in odour of the River Murray in SA. A separate public advice will be issued by authorities if any health risks are detected. The effects on water quality in SA could continue until late-July.
More information on upstream conditions and forecasts can be found in the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Weekly Flow Report.
Water quality
Algal blooms within SA
A Water Quality Alert for Lake Alexandrina issued by SA Health remains current due to elevated levels of potentially harmful blue green algae present in the lake. This alert and other information can be found on the SA Health website – Water Quality Alerts page.
Water samples taken from Lake Alexandrina (including Goolwa) on 11-12 July June show elevated levels of potentially harmful blue green toxin across the lake.
The Water Quality Alert for Lake Alexandrina advises the public to avoid ingestion or contact with water in the lake, including the avoidance of recreational activities. The Water Quality Alert advises that Lake Albert does not currently pose a health risk.
DEW and SA Water will continue to monitor the location and movement of the algae.
Algal Blooms can be transient, and their location and severity can be affected by a range of factors including wind direction, air and water temperatures and degree of water movement. The concentration of blue green algae within water samples has significantly reduced, however, the toxin the algae produce remains above target levels. SA Health encourages people to avoid contact with obvious green discoloured water as it may have health impacts.
SA Health and DEW will continue to monitor the situation and provide further advice and information to the public as conditions evolve.
Algal blooms upstream of SA
A number of current alerts for blue-green algae have been issued by upstream authorities for the River Murray upstream of the SA border and the Lower Darling River. Details of the current alert locations can be found on the WaterNSW website - Algae Alerts page.
New planning rules to support River Murray flood-resilient redevelopment have been finalised
The River Murray Flood Resilience Code Amendment aims to provide clearer guidance for impacted communities to rebuild more flood-resilient development.
The amendments were informed by feedback received from community, industry and government agencies during consultation and the extent and levels of floodwaters during the recent flood.
For more information about the Code Amendment, visit the YourSAy website at: https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/River-Murray-Flood-Resilience.
River Vessel Waste Disposal Stations
The Lock 3 River Vessel Waste Disposal Station (RVWDS) 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 waste (domestic or galley waste) can still be deposited at the Lock 3 facility.
Goolwa RVWDS Portaloo unit has been removed and is undergoing refurbishment. To prevent future issues and ensure correct operation, please refrain from flushing foreign objects as flushing these items can cause serious damage to the equipment, including blockages and pump failures.
The closest portaloo disposal facilities are available at no charge at Coorong Quays, Hindmarsh Island by contacting them on 8555 7300. The remainder of the station is operating as normal. Updates will be provided as further information becomes available.
Any issues with river vessel waste disposal stations can be reported on 1800 799 065.
If you have any questions, please contact the DEW Engagement Team on DEW.WIOCommunications@sa.gov.au.
Water levels
Current water levels are updated daily and can be found here: https://www.waterconnect.sa.gov.au/River-Murray/SitePages/Daily.aspx
View gate openings at the barrages on Water Data SA at https://water.data.sa.gov.au/Data/Dashboard/75
Total daily flow releases from the barrages can also be found on Water Data SA at https://water.data.sa.gov.au/Data/Dashboard/1
The latest flow information is available on the Flows and daily water levels webpage or view the weekly River Murray Flow Report.
If you have any questions, please contact the DEW Engagement Team on DEW.WIOCommunications@sa.gov.au
More information about levee banks
Read about the statewide Improving Levee Bank Management project.
Visit the PIRSA LMRIA flood recovery web page.
