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Water across the southern-connected Basin is managed. This means flows in the River Murray are controlled to some extent to ensure water is stored and delivered when and where it’s needed. The term used to describe the management of water in this way is 'regulated'.

Basin state governments set water trading rules within their states. Actively traded water access rights have different priorities and uses. This is the water markets product information page for Victoria.

The Murray–Darling Basin Agreement is a long-standing arrangement that aims to share water in the southern Basin. It outlines the rules for the way the River Murray is managed and operated.

Over recent years there have been significant changes on the River Murray, including expansion of permanent horticulture, recovery of water for the environment, increased trade and reduced channel capacity through the Barmah–Millewa forest. These changes have resulted in concerns that the river system will not be able to deliver water allocation to users when they need it.

A positive opening balance means water will be available to be traded in the River Murray from above the Barmah Choke to below the choke on 1 July 2021.

State governments are responsible for allocating water. Each state approaches allocations differently, and multiple factors can affect allocations.

Water plays a fundamental role in sustaining life. We need water for core human needs such as drinking, food preparation and hygiene.

Water holders and communities along the River Murray should be aware that there is a risk that water cannot be delivered to users when they want it.

The Basin Plan, under schedule 3, provides an estimate, in GL’s, of the baseline diversion limit (BDL) for all forms of take listed in the schedule for an SDL Resource Unit.

An overview of water market trading, water allocation, interstate trade and rules and compiance in the Murray-Darling Basin.