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
Water use
Water supplied

11,232,800 ML
individual users
80%
environmental use
18%
urban system
2%