River Murray

With a low annual rainfall and long, dry summers, South Australia relies heavily on water flowing down the River Murray to meet its requirements. In an average year, the River Murray supplies about half the State’s urban water needs. In dry years, this can increase to as much as ninety percent.

In addition to being a major source of supply for Adelaide, the River Murray provides water for the domestic, industrial, livestock and irrigation requirements of the towns and farmlands both along its banks and further afield. Water from the River Murray is supplied around the State through five pipelines.

Concerns over the deteriorating health of the River Murray are now high on the public agenda. Regulation of the river's natural flows to ensure a reliable source of water for irrigation, agricultural, industrial and domestic needs has had a significant impact on the ecology of the river and its wetlands.

Some areas now receive too much water, others not enough. Along the course of the Murray a series of locks have been installed which maintain the flow of the river. In some areas, the flow is at artificial levels. These artificially maintained water levels have affected the breeding cycles of plants and animals and resulted in the deterioration of water quality.

The State Government has established a number of important initiatives over the last two years in recognition of the significant issues faced by the River Murray. A number of WaterCare partners work together to ensure the long term future of the precious River Murray.

More Information
The River Murray – An Overview
State of the River Murray
River Murray Urban Users
River Murray Catchment Board
The River Murray System
Murray Darling Basin Commission
River Murray Environmental Flows
Murray Darling Association
Other major water strategies and inter-governmental agreements