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River Murray Flow Report

Stay up to date on SA River Murray flow rates, water levels, barrage operations, navigation issues and construction activities with the River Murray Flow Report.

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Please refer to the South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) website for near real-time information on current warnings. The Bureau of Meteorology is responsible for flood prediction, warnings and advice for the River Murray in all states.

SA River Murray Flow Report

Report #11/2026
Issued 12pm 13 March 2026

This supersedes all previous Flow Reports issued by the Department for Environment and Water.

Flow outlook

The flow at the South Australian border this Friday is approximately 7.5 GL/day and is forecast to reduce to approximately 7.0 GL/day by next Friday.

The current flow at the South Australian border includes March Entitlement Flow (6.0 GL/day), which is adjusted for deferred entitlement volume that is stored and accumulated for critical human water needs and private carryover during dry periods.

The flow over Lock 1 this Friday is approximately 6.0 GL/day and is expected to reduce to 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.

River Murray Flow Report — Flow outlook at the SA border for the coming week.

Water levels

Current water levels are updated daily and can be found on Water Connect.

Upstream flows, rainfall and storages

Rainfall over the Murray-Darling Basin was varied in the week up to 11 March 2026.

Highest rainfall totals were recorded in south-east Queensland, ranging between 1mm and 50mm, with isolated patches receiving up to 200mm. Central and eastern New South Wales recorded 1 – 15mm, with rainfall of up to 25mm in isolated areas.

No rainfall was recorded in the south-western New South Wales, Victorian and South Australian regions of the Murray-Darling Basin over the past seven days. Further rainfall information for the Basin can be found at http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/maps/rainfall/

As of 11 March 2026, Dartmouth Dam storage has reduced to 2,511 GL, approximately 65% of capacity, and Hume Dam storage has increased to 811 GL, around 27% of capacity. Storage in the Menindee Lakes has decreased and is at 666 GL, approximately 39% of capacity. As of 11 March 2026, combined releases from Menindee Lakes were approximately 1.90 GL/day.

Lake Victoria storage has increased to 354 GL, approximately 52% capacity, which is an increase of approximately 29 GL over the past 7 days. Releases from Lake Victoria are currently contributing to approximately 11.5% of the flow to South Australia.

Flows at the South Australia border averaged approximately 7.3 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.

Water quality

Water quality upstream of SA

Please be advised that with additional flows coming from the Darling River there will be an increase in turbidity of the water in the main channel of the River Murray. Horticulturalists may consider this as part of filtration and backflush programs for irrigation systems.

Algal blooms within SA

Coorong

Government agencies continue to work together to conduct fortnightly water testing in the Coorong to monitor for Karenia.

For algal bloom water testing results and further information visit Algal Bloom Water Sampling Dashboard.

For Coorong North Lagoon water quality and environmental conditions visit Coorong North Lagoon Conditions Dashboard.

The Coorong region remains open. Visitors are advised to check signage and avoid contact with discoloured water, foamy water, or water where marine life is dead or in poor health. When the algae are broken up by wave action, algal particles can cause short-term skin or eye irritation and respiratory symptoms, including a cough or shortness of breath. If you notice symptoms, move away from the beach or water. Most symptoms will resolve within hours of leaving the area.

From time to time, depending on weather conditions, strong winds and wave action may cause people living near affected beaches to experience eye, skin or respiratory symptoms while at home. If this happens, stay indoors with windows closed until conditions change or symptoms resolve. Some people may find using an air purifier to be helpful.

Health advice for people with asthma

Some algal species can release biotoxins (specifically brevetoxins) into the air through wave action. Exposure to aerosols containing algal particles or brevetoxin may trigger symptoms in people with asthma.

People with asthma are advised to:

carry their reliever medication with them while on beaches, especially when there is thick, visible foam or discoloured water
take their preventive medication as prescribed
check their asthma management plan is up-to-date.

People with known asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or other form of chronic lung disease may be more vulnerable to the respiratory effects of biotoxins and should avoid areas where there is discoloured or foamy water, particularly if there is an onshore breeze.

International evidence indicates there are no long-term health consequences of exposure at the beach to either algal particles or biotoxins.

If symptoms persist, seek medical advice from your doctor.

For further information visit the SA Health - Water quality alerts page.

For the latest information please visit the SA Government algal bloom page.

Algal blooms upstream of SA

WaterNSW issues blue-green algae (BGA) alerts as Red, Amber or Green. A red alert indicates a toxic algal bloom, making the water dangerous for humans and animals; an amber alert indicates BGA may be multiplying in numbers and water should be considered unsuitable for human or animal consumption but remains suitable for recreational use; and a green alert indicates the presence of BGA but not at levels to pose a threat to recreational, stock or domestic use.

WaterNSW has issued red alerts for Lake Menindee and Silver City Highway. The Edward Wakool system also has multiple amber and green alerts in place. Numerous BGA amber and green alerts apply to the River Murray between Lake Hume and the SA border, and additional alerts are current across the Menindee Lakes and the lower Darling. Further details of the current NSW alert locations can be found on the WaterNSW website - Algae Alerts page.

Victoria’s Goulburn-Murray Water has issued recreational BGA warnings for Tullaroop Reservoir, Hepburns Lagoon and Gum Lagoon in the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area. Details of the current VIC alert locations can be found on the Blue-Green Algae Warnings - Goulburn Murray Water page.

Lower Murray Water (LMW) has issued a red alert for BGA in Lake Cullulleraine. Various low to mid-level recreational BGA alerts also remain current on the River Murray from Boundary Bend through to Lock 9. Details of LMW alert locations can be found on the Blue-green algae monitoring - Lower Murray Water page.

Water for the environment delivery

The delivery of water for the environment to the South Australian border is continuing at approximately 1.5 GL/day. This is a combination of direct trade to SA from the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and The Living Murray. The water being delivered is helping to manage Lower Lakes levels and provide a small volumes of continuous flow to the Coorong. Water for the environment also continues to be delivered as part of SA’s Entitlement flow.

Planning for further delivery of water for the environment throughout 2025-26 is continuing.

Murray Mouth

Dredging is continuing directly in the Murray Mouth at the junction of the Tauwitchere and Goolwa Channels.

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 11 March 2026, the water level in Lake Alexandrina is approximately 0.67m AHD and Lake Albert is approximately 0.69m 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 0.60m AHD and 0.70m AHD throughout March.

Barrage gate operations are adjusted to release water when tidal conditions permit and are dependent on upstream flows, lake levels and variable weather conditions.

Since mid-December 2025, barrage flows have been limited to fishways only. On 6 February 2026, a modified attractant gate at Boundary Creek barrage was also opened to help freshen important estuarine habitat within the Murray Mouth area. These small volumes of water for the environment have been provided specifically to support refuge habitat for the Coorong’s invertebrates, waterbirds and fish. On 24 February 2026, the automatic gate on Goolwa barrage was opened to create localised ‘salt wedge’ conditions downstream of the barrage. This barrage bay will remain open for at least 28 days to support black bream recruitment.

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.

River Murray 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.

Contractors will perform system upgrades at the following RVWDS on the dates listed below:

Walker Flat RVWDS: 9 to 14 March
Swan Reach RVWDS: 9 to 14 March
Mannum RVWDS: 15 to 19 March.

The stations will remain operational; however, minor delays may occur.

For a full list and map of the stations visit: http://environment.sa.gov.au/waste-disposal-stations

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

If you have any questions, please contact the DEW WIO Engagement Team on DEW.WIOCommunications@sa.gov.au

Salinity

Salinity levels throughout the River Murray in South Australia are within their typical range. Nonetheless, it is possible that some irrigators may record higher salinity readings at isolated locations. These higher readings are more likely to be observed at the bottom of the water column.

Salinity throughout the Goolwa Channel from the Goolwa Barrage to Clayton Bay remains elevated as a result of salt water ingress from recent storm surge events.

Irrigators are encouraged to monitor the daily salinity levels provided by SA Water as part of their business operations.

Intermediate remediation of the LMRIA levees project

The Intermediate Remediation of the LMRIA Levees project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. This project will return the severely flood damaged sections of government and private levees to their pre-flood height.

Intermediate remediation works update

On-ground remediation works have been completed at Pompoota, Long Flat, Wall Flat, Mypolonga, Burdett, Mobilong and Placid.

Construction works at Cowirra and Toora are continuing to progress. The substantive on-ground works at Neeta have been completed with final project close-out activities underway.

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is working with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), as the state infrastructure agency, on the procurement of contractors to undertake works on the remaining private levees that were severely damaged during the 2022-23 River Murray flood. The request for tender issued by DIT has closed and submissions have been assessed with approval processes currently underway.

Government levees in the LMRIA are temporarily closed to the public.

Where intermediate remediation works are required for government levees, they will remain temporarily closed until the works are completed. Following the completion of intermediate works, all government levees will remain temporarily closed pending public safety risk assessments, tree assessments (and any arborist works required), fencing repairs and reinstallation of signage to ensure safe access before reopening to the public.

Reopening of the levees will be staged as the assessments and associated works are completed. It is expected levees will progressively start to reopen in 2-3 months.

The government levee banks are Cowirra, Neeta, Wall Flat, Pompoota, Mypolonga, Mobilong, Burdett, Long Flat, Monteith and Jervois.

Recreational activities

Recreational activities are not permitted on the levees while they are closed, including:

walking and running
cycling
fishing
driving vehicles
mooring houseboats and other vessels.

Designated council houseboat mooring sites can be obtained from the relevant local council website.

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 DEW will keep the community informed of the project's progress, 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

If you have any questions, please contact Cassy Petho, Acting/Community Engagement Officer on 0437 313 087 or LMRIAlevees@sa.gov.au

Bookmark Creek first operations

The Operations and Maintenance team within DEW commenced the first operations of the Bookmark Creek infrastructure on Wednesday 11 March 2026, and it will run for a period of up to 12 days.

The First Operations will be undertaken with support from the Water Resource Monitoring Unit (WRMU) to undertake gauging and monitoring activities.

The key objectives of this activity are to:

Commission and verify the performance of infrastructure - the regulator, fishway and associated structures
Validate hydrological and ecological outcomes in line with the Bookmark Creek Wetland Management Plan, under a range of regulator, Lock 5 and River Murray flow conditions
Assess and manage operational risks
Calibrate and verify the operational model by comparing observed flow and level data with modelled predictions

During the First Operations period, water levels within Bookmark Creek will fluctuate as different operating scenarios are tested, including various combinations of the lay-flat gates, fishway and canoe passage.

Monitoring will be carried out to assess hydrological performance, ecological and physical responses, and to inform future operations and management.

For any enquiries email DEW.WIOcommunications@sa.gov.au. To find out more visit https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/water-and-river-murray/projects-plans-security-and-legislation/water-projects/sustaining-riverland-environments/bookmark-creek-complex

More information

Algal bloom information

Other flow updates and information

Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and monitoring

Mapping

Further information

High flow advice and information

In the interests of community safety, the following precautions are recommended during periods of high flows:

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 riverbank.
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.

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

For up to date River Murray date, salinity, flow and water level information, visit our Water information and data section.

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

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.

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.