Talking Water - Tuesday 20 January 2026
This week's contents
New water product announcement
- Forward Allocation Product launch
Operations
- Talking Water Data
Business
- Accidental data disclosure update
Industry
- Latest NSW DCCEEW Water Allocation Statement
- Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW announcement
- Free stock and water testing
- Soil Pitt Workshop - Wakool
New water product announcement
Murray Irrigation has this week launched a new Forward Allocation water product via our partnership with Ruralco Water.
This product is being offered exclusively to Murray Irrigation customers for a two-year period, over the 2026/27 and 2027/28 irrigation seasons.
A Forward Allocation Product enables irrigators to purchase a guaranteed volume of water for a future date, providing supply security and capacity to spread costs over the season.
Murray Irrigation has introduced this initiative in response to customer feedback.
Read our Customer Update below for more information and to find out how you can participate.
Important note: Participating customers are reminded to please use your Murray Irrigation customer number (the number you use to log in to the Murray Irrigation water ordering system) when registering with Ruralco Water.
Operational Update
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
Accidental data disclosure - Preliminary investigation results
As mentioned in last week's Talking Water, Murray Irrigation has now released the preliminary findings of our external investigation into an accidental disclosure of certain Landholders' personal information.
The investigator has determined that: no Landholders' personal information was downloaded and no personal information was modified by external parties.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing and Murray Irrigation has taken significant steps to prevent future disclosures, and is following the advice of our cyber experts.
You can read a copy of the full company announcement below.
For further information, please contact the Customer Experience team on 1300 138 265.
Industry News
Latest NSW DCCEEW Water Allocation Statement
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) announced last Thursday (15 January) that there will be no change in allocations to General Security entitlements for the NSW Murray.
The total cumulative allocation to General Security entitlements remains at 20% for the 2025/26 water year.
You can read the full announcement below.
You can subscribe to DCCEEW's updates by email and download its announcements here.
EWON expands to assist NSW irrigation corporations
The NSW Government has expanded powers of the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) to incorporate irrigation corporations, including Murray Irrigation.
The changes, which take effect from 1 July 2026, will provide customers with access to an independent, expert body to resolve water supply complaints. This was previously only open to residential water and energy users.
Read more in the NSW Government Media Release below.
Murray Irrigation welcomes these reforms, which will strengthen customer trust and confidence in how the irrigation industry operates.
The company has been working with the NSW Government and EWON to finalise operational arrangements ahead of 1 July 2026.
Free stock water testing available
Murray Local Land Services have a limited number of prepaid water testing kits available to help landholders monitor the quality of their stock water during the current dry conditions.
Visit a Murray LLS office to collect a kit or contact one of your local Ag team members on 1300 795 299.
Western Murray Valley Soil Pit Workshop
Soils are your main asset and the single biggest factor influencing your production system.
Join leading soil scientist Dr Cassandra Schefe for a practical dive into soil traits, constraints, and test insights specific to rice.
When: Wednesday 21 January
Where: Fasham Farms, Wakool
Time: 8.30am - 10.30am
Morning tea will be provided.
