Murray–Darling Basin: Key findings

For the water account period 1 July 2023–30 June 2024

  • Total annual rainfall was close to average, following three years of above average rainfall.
  • The total Basin storage level decreased by 16% to 79% full at the end of the year.
  • Water taken from surface water and groundwater resources for consumptive use was 9,328 GL, 40% more than the previous year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

Rainfall icon

478 mm

close to the Basin average

Streamflow

Streamflow icon

above average

except in the north-east and south

Storage

Storage icon

79% full

arrowpointingdown

16% less than last year

Water use

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sourced for take in the Murray-Darling Basin region. A total of 9,328 GL of water was sourced for take in the 2023–24 year. Surface water and groundwater made up 87% and 13% of total water sourced, respectively.

Water taken

Graph showing breakdown of water users in the Murray-Darling Basin region. A total of 9,328 GL of water was sourced for take in the 2023–24 year. 91% of total water accessible was taken by individual users, 5% was taken for town supply, and 4% was taken under basic rights.

* water taken for consumptive use

Water status

Allocations

12,455 GL

total surface water and groundwater allocations

Water availability

39,048 GL

surface water available in 2023–24


Close to average