Murray–Darling Basin: Region overview
The region covers an area of over one million km2, which is equal to 14% of mainland Australia. It is defined by the catchment areas of Australia's two longest rivers: the Darling River (2,740 km) and the River Murray (2,530 km). The region has a population of over two million, and irrigated agriculture is the major water using industry.
Rainfall
412 mm
6% more than last year
88% of long-term average
Storage
42% full
26% less than last year
23,203,628 ML total capacity
Streamflow
Darling River at Bourke
River Murray at Albury
Ovens River at Peechelba
below average
less than last year
WATER SOURCES
WATER ACCOUNTING STATEMENTS
Assets
17,031,329 ML
15%
Liabilities
2,473,044 ML
24%
Inflows
19,766,601 ML
19%
Outflows
25,061,858 ML
8%
Net change
2,302,478 ML
WATER USE
7,316,482 ML
surface water diverted
(net volume)
18% less than last year
1,551,094 ML
groundwater extracted
(gross volume)
13% more than last year
374,189 ML
supplied for urban use
(net volume)
12% more than last year
8,176,035 ML
supplied for irrigation
(net volume)
15% less than last year
ENVIRONMENTAL WATER USE
1,445,171 ML
surface water (net volume)
6% less than last year
SURFACE WATER TRADE
Entitlement
1,325,612 ML traded
32% less than last year
Allocation
5,647,996 ML traded
8% more than last year