Water Management
Water availability
Water sharing plans developed by the Department of Water and Energy (DWE) in consultation with the community determine how much water can be extracted over the long-term and also set aside water for the environment.
On a yearly basis, how much water can be extracted varies according to rainfall, inflows to the storages, evaporation and the efficiency of water delivery infrastructure At the start of each water year on 1 July, the Department makes Available Water Determinations (AWDs) more commonly referred to as 'water allocations' which specify how much of their water entitlement licence holders can extract over the course of that year from ariver or aquifer. If the water allocation is less than 100 per cent, the Department will review water availability on a regular basis and when possible, announce revised water allocations.
Managing water during drought
Drought is an intrinsic part of the Australian landscape. Drought is a prolonged, abnormally dry period when there is not enough water for users' normal needs.
Australia has one of the most variable rainfall climates in the world, and severe drought affects some part of Australia about once every 18 years. However, intervals between severe droughts have varied from four to 38 years and the impacts of climate change will mean more prolonged dry periods particularly in inland areas of NSW.
During the current drought critical water planning communiques are being released regularly by the Department to explain the management of water resources in drought-affected catchments. These communiqués describe the current resource availability, how and why it is being shared and outlines probabilities for improvement.
The Department works in partnership with local water utilities in regional NSW to manage town water supplies during drought. Information on assistance is available to farmers and rural businesses during drought is available from the website of the Department of Primary Industries.
Domestic water restrictions in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valley
Due to continued drought, town water suppliers in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys have been asked to adopt level 4 water restrictions which mean no outside water use by residents. The Department has also restricted the use of surface and groundwater for domestic purposes under a s324 Order Water Management Act 2000 to the same level as Council water restrictions to further protect scarce resources.
Currently a temporary water restriction order applies to the taking of water (surface and groundwater) for domestic purposes from the NSW Murray Regulated River and the Regulated Murrumbidgee Water Source, and the Lower Murray Groundwater Source and the Lower Murrumbidgee Groundwater Sources. The Order applies to all residents of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys who take water from these water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this order mean for me ?
The 324 Order means that all water users in both the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys taking water for domestic purposes must abide by the water restrictions set by their Shire. For example if you live on a rural property outside a town limit of Griffith (where level 4 water restrictions apply), your taking of domestic water from any source is restricted to level 4. Likewise if you live in Griffith and have a bore, your taking of that water is restricted to level 4; the same as town water supply.
Why have these restrictions been put in place?
Restrictions have been put in place to protect the health of Murray and Murrumbidgee Valley groundwater and surface water systems and to conserve water for essential purposes, particularly critical human needs.
Due to the severe and prolonged drought, water availability in both valleys is very low. We know that the water storage levels in the shallow groundwater systems are dropping. This is because more people are using bore water and that rainfall and other sources of recharge, such as seepage below irrigation areas, are minimal or non existent. Also, the valleys' groundwater systems are considered to be highly connected to the Murray River meaning that bore water users are essentially drawing water from the drought-stricken river.
The Department has acted to protect water sources in both valleys to preserve what little water is available for essential purposes and critical industries such as horticulture and high employment industries. As we enter our fourth year of extreme drought, the taking of water for domestic purposes must be restricted to conserve as much water as possible for the future.
Currently water to supply critical human needs is being under written by unused water allocation carried over by licence holders from last year. This water needs to be repaid to licence water users as a priority, and this will occur once conditions improve. The water therefore is not to be used for non-essential domestic purposes.
Do the restrictions apply to all bores where the bore owner receives supply from town water?
Yes, the restrictions apply to all bores that pump water from the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valley groundwater systems, whether the resident is connected to the town water supply or not.
I have just installed a bore to water my garden and it has cost me a lot of money. What right does the Department have to do this?
Under Section 324(1) of the Water Management Act 2000, the NSW Minister for Water has the right to implement restrictions on the taking of water when it is considered necessary in the public interest to cope with a water shortage. It is very important to ensure that water is fairly and sustainably shared during times of water shortages. Both the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys are currently in the midst of a severe water shortage. These restrictions are a necessary measure to further protect the region's water sources and to preserve what little water is available for critical human needs.
Can I use my bore at all?
Yes – You can continue to take water from your bore so long as water taken for domestic purposes is in accordance with the water restrictions imposed by your local council.
If I trade water in, can I use it to water my garden outside of water restrictions ?
No. You may continue to trade water in, but the taking of that water for domestic purposes will still be restricted in line with your local council water restrictions. Councils may purchase water to ease water restrictions.
When will the restrictions be lifted?
The restrictions will be lifted when water availability in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys has improved. The restrictions are currently in place until 30th June 2010 but will be kept under constant review.
More information, including the relevant order and media release can be found in the water allocation section of this website.