Murray–Darling Basin: Key findings
- The region experienced slightly above-average annual rainfall; however, rainfall was relatively poor during most of the year. Most of the high rainfall occurred late in the year (May–June 2016).
- The relatively poor rainfall for most of the year contributed to below-average streamflow and a drop in storage volumes.
- Surface water availability during the first 10 months of the year decreased from last year, resulting in decreased water use.
CLIMATE AND WATER
Rainfall
463 mm
similar to the long-term average
Streamflow
below average
higher than last year
Storage
39% full
7% less volume than last year
WATER USE
9,232,595 ML
Water sourced
17%
83%
11% less water use than last year
individual users
80%
urban
5%
environmental use
15%
WATER STATUS
Water rights
19,446,966 ML
total surface water and groundwater entitlements
Water assets
13,500,354 ML
closing net water assets
at 30 June 2016
similar to last year
Trade
1,359,000 ML
entitlement trade
5,567,000 ML
allocation trade
Outlook
19,300,000 ML
expected water assets
at 30 June 2017
increase from this year