Heavy winter rains boost River Murray flows into South Australia
A wet winter across the Murray-Darling Basin has raised daily water deliveries to South Australia to about 22.5 GL, far above the 8 GL and 4 GL seen in the two prior years.
Recent precipitation across the southern Murray-Darling Basin has lifted the River Murray's daily inflow to South Australia to around 22.5 gigalitres, a level not seen since the 2022-23 floods. The Department for Environment and Water highlighted that this volume far exceeds the 8 gigalitres recorded in 2025 and 4 gigalitres in 2024, revitalising river ecosystems and supporting activities such as fishing, kayaking and birdwatching.
Water-delivery manager Damian Rowley said the current flow, while below flood-peak levels, demonstrates the impact of the heavy rains and will benefit fish, frogs and flood-plain connectivity. The department expects a short decline at August's end, followed by another increase in early September as rain falls on Victorian tributaries. Riverland operators like Brenton Carle welcome the rise, noting higher river levels aid school camps, turtle breeding and yabby runs, while long-time swimmer Tasha Morath observes stronger resistance but still favorable conditions.
Why it matters
Higher river flows improve water security, ecosystem health and recreation for South Australian communities.
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