Talking Water - Tuesday 14 April 2026
This week's contents
Fee Structure Review
- Feedback survey now open
Operations
- Transition to Winter Operations
- Talking Water Data
Business
- Restoring Murray Waterways Project
Industry
- Local Landholder Associations meeting tonight
- Blue-green algae management
Community
- Discovering Sandhills Tour this Thursday
Murray Irrigation Fee Structure Review
Murray irrigation has now concluded our Fee Structure Review customer meetings and webinars, with the final two sessions taking place at Blighty and Jerilderie last Thursday.
Thank you to the 150 plus customers who participated in these meetings, and to the many others who have called and emailed us directly in relation to the proposed fee structure and what it means for their farming business.
Murray Irrigation is now encouraging customers to complete a short survey to indicate your level of support for this new fee structure which, if approved by the Board, will be implemented on 1 July 2026. This survey can be completed on desktop, mobile or tablet.
The survey closes at 5.00pm this Friday 17 April.
You can access the survey via your Customer Portal. Click on the button below.
Customers are also welcome to complete the survey over the phone with a member of our Customer Experience team. You can do this by calling 1300 138 265.
The results of the survey will be collated and provided to the Board on 30 April 2026. The Board will use this feedback to make an informed and final decision on whether to proceed with the proposed change or to maintain the current fee structure.
There is a comprehensive amount of information and resources available on Fee Structure Review webpage, including webinar recording, Fact Sheet, Customer Calculator and Frequently Asked Questions.
Please also feel free to contact our Customer Experience team for any assistance you need: 1300 138 265 or customersupport@murrayirrigation.com.au
Operational Update
Transition to Winter Operations
In line with our 2025/26 Season Operating Plan, Murray Irrigation has commenced the transition from Regular to Winter Operations.
Read our Operational Update (below) for all the details about Murray Irrigation's Winter Operations, including when the Guaranteed Dates will be announced.
For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions here.
Talking Water live data
Live data for Murray Irrigation water delivery, channel flow, Water Exchange temporary trade and DCCEEW water allocations is available on our Talking Water
Data webpage below.
To see the latest data for Murray system storages and rivers, including dam heights, visit the Murray Darling Basin Authority's River data page.
Additional resources
MDBA weekly report
NSW Water allocation statements
Rainfall and evaporation
Barmah Choke trade balance
The information and data provided in Talking Water is for general reference purposes only. We take best endeavours to ensure accuracy.
Business News
Restoring Murray Waterways Project
"Water brings life."
In three words, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Dr Simon Banks succinctly sums up the aim of Murray Irrigation's Restoring Murray Waterways environmental watering project.
We are incredibly proud to be working in collaboration with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder on this innovative initiative.
This infrastructure sets us up to continue working in partnership to deliver Commonwealth environmental water that is focused on reviving the improved health of, and restoring connection to, the valuable creeks and wetlands throughout the Edward/Kolety-Wakool River Region.
Find out more in our video or visit our webpage below.
Stage 4 of Murray Irrigation's Restoring Murray Waterways project has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water.
Industry News
Local Landholder Associations meeting tonight
A reminder that the West Berriquin and Denimein Local Landholder Associations are hosting a joint meeting tonight (14 April) at the Sportsmans Arms Hotel, Deniliquin.
The meeting commences at 6.00pm.
The topics will include an update from Murray Irrigation regarding the company's fee structure review.
Representatives from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority will also be present to assist with preparing Basin Plan Review submissions.
Contact Sharni Lundie for more information: 0439 017 642 or westberriquinirrigators@gmail.com
Blue-green algae management
Did you know WaterNSW undertakes monitoring, and notifies the public about, blue-green algal blooms in the river systems and storages it manages?
Algal alerts are issued by Regional Algal Coordinating Committees (RACCs) who are responsible for local management of algal blooms.
There are three different categories of alert as follows:
Green: At green alert levels blue-green algae are present in the water at low densities, possibly signalling the early stages of the development of a bloom, or a period where a bloom is declining. At these densities, the blue-green algae do not pose a threat to recreational, stock or domestic use.
Amber: At amber alert levels, blue-green algae may be multiplying in numbers. The water should be considered as unsuitable for potable use and alternative supplies or prior treatment of raw water for domestic purposes should be considered. The water may also be unsuitable for stock watering.
Red: Red alert levels represent 'bloom' conditions. The 'blooms' should be considered to be toxic to humans and animals, and the water should not be used for drinking (without prior treatment), stock watering, or for recreation.
Note: In the event of a red alert, Murray Irrigation will alert customers accordingly.
The WaterNSW website provides up-to-date information for NSW on the algae situation.
This site also includes tips for identifying algae, key contacts for more information, impacts of blue-green algal blooms, and locations where a red or amber alert is in place.
Customers can also sign up to get automatic blue-green algae alerts directly. The below user guide shows you how.
Community News
Discovering Sandhills Tour this Thursday
Join RGA Landcare this Thursday for a unique opportunity to explore local sandhills and see:
- Ancient remnant vegetation
- Mature revegetation areas
- Renowned local sandhills.
Learn from revegetation expert and ornithologist Philip Maher about the unique vegetation that is suited to sandhills and the realities of managing, restoring and conserving sandhill woodland vegetation.
Date: Thursday 16 April
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Where: Meet in Harrison Street, Deniliquin, opposite the Anglican Church
For more information please contact Janet Manzin on 0438719628 or visit the registration page below.
