South Australian Government

River Management Overview

Water resource conditions in the Murray River within South Australia are monitored on a daily basis. Data on flows, water levels, and water quality is collected on a daily basis at a number of monitoring points throughout the system within South Australia.

The Murray-Darling Basin Initiative

The Murray-Darling Basin Initiative is the partnership between the Australian Government and the governments of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory and the community, which has been established to give effect to the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement 1992. more...

Water Trading

The regulatory framework for water resource management in South Australia, including water trading, is established through the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (SA).

The Trade Approval Authority responsible for administering the water licensing provisions of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, including processing water trades is the Department for Water (DFW).

To apply for a trade, an application form must be lodged with DFW. The application form has two key parts, one to be completed by the transferor (seller), and the other by the transferee (buyer).

Water Trading is the buying and selling of water access entitlements. more...

Salinity and Water Quality

Managing Murray River salinity requires an ongoing effort by communities, individuals and Government. Salinity levels and risks continue to increase despite investment in better irrigation management practices, water delivery systems and salt interception schemes. Whether we like it or not, salinity poses a huge threat to all of us that rely on the Murray River. Salinity levels and risks continue to increase despite real advances in management over the last decade. We must all work together to do what we can to manage the problem. more...

1956 Murray River Floods

The 1956 Murray River flood was without doubt one of the greatest natural catastrophes to hit South Australia. For months Riverland towns were threatened with extinction as floodwaters reached unprecedented levels. In the absence of modern equipment, men toiled day after day filling bags and building levees. And when they collapsed from exhaustion, trainloads of volunteers from Adelaide moved in to face the flood. Fierce determination persisted and eventually after a battle of some fifteen weeks the floodwaters receded. more...

Environmental Flows Overview

A healthy working Murray River is essential to the future viability of the State. Protecting, enhancing and restoring the health of the Murray River is one of the State's highest priorities. The Murray River is under serious threat and the current levels of extraction throughout the river system cannot be sustained. Progressively reduced river flows, rising saline groundwater, water over-allocation, and inappropriate land management practices along the river corridor all contribute to the ailing health of the river. more...