Riverland Irrigators are forecast to see lower opening water allocations for the upcoming water year.
Based on a worst case scenario of water availability, local River Murray irrigators could see opening allocations as low as 62%.
This follows two years of below average rainfall, however based on historical inflow data current projections indicate allocations could rise throughout the 2026/27 water year.
With the projected minimum opening allocation being higher than 50%, carryover allocations will not be available in 2026-27.
Renee Thompson, the Department for Environment and Water’s Water Delivery Manager, said management of the River Murray was vital to ensuring the sustainability of the resource.
“Our water resources are carefully managed to provide reliable water delivery for industry and regional communities alongside environmental and system requirements,” Ms Thompson said.
“In mid-April each year, the Department for Environment and Water makes a projected opening allocation announcement for the following water year based on worst-case water availability information provided by the MDBA. This is to ensure irrigators are able to plan for the upcoming water year.
“This announcement is not the final determination for water allocations in the 2026-27 water year and we will be closely monitoring Basin conditions over the coming months.”
The next projected allocation announcement is due on the 15th of May.
