Murray–Darling Basin: Key findings

For the water account period 1 July 2021–30 June 2022

  • Total annual rainfall was above average for the second consecutive year.
  • End-of-year storage was 91% full compared to 64% full the previous year.
  • Water taken for consumptive water use was 8,669 GL, around 8% more than last year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

Rainfall icon

634 mm

above the average of 466 mm

Streamflow

Streamflow icon

above average

for much of the year

Storage

Storage icon

91% full

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27% 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 8,699 GL of water was sourced for take in the 2021–22 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 8,699 GL of water was sourced for take in the 2021–22 year. 91% of total water accessible was taken by individual users, 5% was taken for town supply, and 3% was taken under basic rights.

* water taken for consumptive use

Water status

Allocations

14,415 GL

total surface water and groundwater allocations

Water availability

52,700 GL

surface water available in 2021–22

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Highest since 2011-12