National Water Account 2017

Murray–Darling Basin: Key findings

For the water account period 1 July 2016–30 June 2017

  • Total annual rainfall in 2016–17 was above average, largely due to rainfall over the southern portion of the region.
  • Heavy rainfall during the winter–spring months of 2016 contributed to very high streamflows and the first annual increase in water storage in 5 years.
  • The increased surface water availability meant an increase in water use from last year.
  • Water used for environmental purposes made up 18% of the total water diverted.

Climate and water

Rainfall

Rainfall icon

514 mm

above the long-term average

Streamflow

Streamflow iconarrowpointingup

above average

more than last year

Storage

Storage icon

69% full

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    increase from 39% last year

Water use

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sources use in the Murray–Darling Basin region for 2016–17.

groundwater

11%

surface water

89%

Water supplied

Graph showing breakdown of water supplied to users in the Murray–Darling Basin region for 2016–17.

11,232,800 ML

individual users

80%

environmental use

18%

urban system

2%

Water status

19,374 GL

total surface water and groundwater entitlements

16,810 GL

closing net water assets at 30 June 2017

2,356 GL more than last year

Decrease

in storage expected during the 2017–18 year