Murray–Darling Basin: Key findings

For the water account period 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023

  • Total annual rainfall was above average for the third consecutive year, following the region's wettest spring on record.
  • The total Basin storage level at the end of the year was 95%, an increase of 4% from 2021–22.
  • Water taken from surface water and groundwater resources for consumptive use was 6,648 GL, 22% less than the previous year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

Rainfall icon

605 mm

%30 above the Basin average

Streamflow

Streamflow icon

above average

for much of the year

Storage

Storage icon

95% full

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4% more than last year

Water use

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sourced for take in the Murray–Darling Basin region. A total of 6,648 GL of water was sourced for take in the 2022–23 year. Surface water and groundwater made up 88% and 12% of total water sourced, respectively.

Water taken

Graph showing breakdown of water users in the Murray–Darling Basin region. A total of 6,648 GL of water was sourced for take in the 2022–23 year. 89% of total water accessible was taken by individual users, 6% was taken for town supply, and 5% was taken under basic rights.

* water taken for consumptive use

Water status

Allocations

14,915 GL

total surface water and groundwater allocations

Water availability

63,860 GL

surface water available in 2022–23

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Highest on record (since 2010)