Talking Water - Tuesday 21 July 2026
This week's contents
Operations
- Murray Irrigation SMS updates
- Talking Water Data
Business
- Supplementary water event update
- External Water Policy news
- Native fish relocation program
Industry
- Latest NSW DCCEEW Water Allocation Announcement
- New year water allocations - NSW Government presentation
Operational Update
Murray Irrigation SMS updates
A quick reminder to customers that Murray Irrigation frequently uses SMS to communicate important company and operational updates in the most timely manner.
If you are not receiving these SMS notifications, and would like to, please give our Customer Support team a call and we can assist you to receive these: 1300 138 265.
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 Narrows 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
Supplementary water event update
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has approved a further extension in access to supplementary water in the Regulated Murray River System due to rain and high tributary flow in the catchment.
WaterNSW will continue to monitor the situation closely and further advice, if required, will be issued on or before Wednesday 22 July 2026.
Read the notification here.
As communicated via Customer Update, the supplementary water that is used to fill the channel system will be calculated once the supplementary event has finished. You can read the full Customer Update below.
This water will be added on top of the current 5% Water Users Credit to reward water using customers.
Further information will be provided to customers upon completion of the supplementary water event.
External Water Policy update
Things in the external water policy space are starting to ramp back up as we head into the second half of the calendar year:
National Water Reform 2026
The Productivity Commission (PC) is seeking public feedback on its Preliminary Assessment of state and territory implementation of National Water Reform commitments. Submissions are due this Friday 24 July. Murray Irrigation will contribute to the National Irrigators' Council's comprehensive submission into this process. You can read the PC's Preliminary Assessment, and find out how to make your own submission here.
Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Government has convened an Expert Panel to assess how the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed (SWIOID) is working. The SWIOID outlines environmental outcomes and an associated watering program for the Snowy and Snowy montane rivers. The Panel has released its Draft Report, and is seeking public feedback through to Tuesday 4 August. Murray Irrigation staff are currently reviewing the Draft Report to confirm if a Company submission is required. You can read the Draft Report, and find out more about the submission process here.
Commonwealth Water Act Review
The Commonwealth Government has also appointed an Independent Reviewer to undertake a review of the Commonwealth Water Act. This review commenced last Friday with release of a Discussion Paper. Submissions on the Discussion Paper will be accepted through to Monday 31 August. You can read the Discussion Paper, and find out more about the submission process here.
A free public webinar about the Discussion Paper will be held this Friday 24 July, starting at 10.30am. You can register here. Murray Irrigation staff are now reviewing the Discussion Paper, in order to determine the most strategically valuable way for the Company to be involved in this review.
Native fish relocation program
Wiremu Keefe holding a Murray Cod to be released into its native habitat.
More than 250 native fish and 18 turtles have recently been relocated to their natural habitat as part of a collaborative Fish Salvage Project, managed by the Western Murray Land Improvement Group with support from Traditional Owners, Murray Irrigation and the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
The restoration activity has been taking place during Murray Irrigation's Winter Works program.
The below media release provides more information on the project and its positive outcomes.
Industry News
Latest NSW DCCEEW Water Allocation Statement
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) announced last week (15 July) an allocation for NSW Murray General Security entitlements of 5%.
You can read the full announcement below.
Subscribe to NSW DCCEEW updates by email and download its announcements here.
New year water allocations - NSW Government presentation
A reminder that the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is hosting a free online webinar on allocations and water availability for the 2026-2027 water year.
When: Wednesday 22 July
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
This presentation is intended to provide a clear understanding of what has been allocated, what it means, and how to plan with confidence.
