Water allocation and carryover

Water allocations are an important way to share, conserve and manage the restricted volume of water available to South Australia.

Managing our water responsibly contributes to achieving long-lasting benefits for the River Murray and water users, including primary producers, industry, recreational users and the environment.

Water allocations are critical for all river communities and industries that rely on a healthy river system.

Private carryover may be granted when the minimum opening allocation announced in April is 50 per cent or less. Private carryover allows irrigators to carryover unused water allocations - up to 20 per cent of a user’s entitlement - from one year to the next. It is a form of insurance to boost water availability at the beginning of the next water year. Recent changes have been made to the private carryover rules to provide greater flexibility to water users to manage across consecutive dry years.

Water trade allows for the redistribution of water among users and is an important mechanism for managing the Murray-Darling Basin’s scarce water resources.

For more information:

• visit the SA Murray-Darling Basin website
• call the Berri water licensing team on (08) 8595 2053
• drop in for a visit at 2 Wade Street, Berri
• email DEW.WaterLicensingBerri@sa.gov.au

Find out more about:

• Water allocations and announcements
• South Australian private carryover
• Alternatives to South Australian carryover
• Managing River Murray water resources during the current dry conditions
• Adelaide Desalination Plant