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Murray–Murrumbidgee

Water restrictions in the Murray Valley

Currently a temporary water restriction order applies to the taking of water (surface and groundwater) from the NSW Murray regulated river water source and all associated alluvial aquifers including the Lower and Upper Murray Groundwater Sources. The Order will apply to all towns supplied by water taken from these water sources: Albury to South Australian border.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new restrictions on the use of private bores and water drawn from streams in the Murray Valley?
Water pumped from a private water bore or taken from a river or creek ,can no longer be used to water domestic lawns. This applies to all residents in the Murray valley

People who are connected to town water supply and pump water from a bore or river can only use this water outside in accordance with their local town water restrictions.

Why have these restrictions been put in place?
Restrictions have been put in place to protect the health of Murray Valley groundwater systems and conserve water for essential purposes, such as town water supply.

Due to the severe and prolonged drought, water availability in the Murray Valley is at an all time low. Water storage levels in the Valley’s shallow groundwater systems are dropping. This is because more people are using bore water and rainfall and other sources of recharge, such as seepage below irrigation beds, are minimal or non existent. Also, the Valley’s groundwater systems are highly connected to the Murray River meaning bore water users are essentially drawing water from the drought-stricken river.

The Department has acted to protect Murray Valley water sources from over-use and preserve what little water is available for essential purposes. At a time when farmers are struggling to keep their crops alive and there is no water set aside for town water supply for 2008/09, watering domestic lawns is a luxury we cannot afford.

Do the restrictions apply to all basic landholder right bores?
Yes, the restrictions apply to all bores that pump water from Murray Valley groundwater systems.

I have just installed a bore to water my garden and it has cost me a lot of money. What right does the Department have to do this?
Under Section 323 of the Water Management Act 2000, the NSW Minister has the right to implement restrictions on the taking of water when it is in the public interest because of water shortage. It is important to ensure water is fairly and sustainably shared during times of water shortages.

The Murray Valley is currently in the midst of a severe water shortage. These restrictions are a necessary measure to further protect the region’s water sources from over-use and preserve what little water is available for essential purposes.

Can I use my bore at all?
Yes. If you are connected to town water supply, you can still use your bore or river pump to take water for stock and domestic use except for the watering of lawns. However, this water can only be used in compliance with the current level of water restrictions put in place by council.

If you are not connected to town water supply, you can use your bore to pump water for all domestic purposes, except watering lawns. A reminder that domestic bores can only be used for household needs and the watering of immediate gardens around the dwelling. They cannot be used to water pasture or for any commercial purposes.

These restrictions are necessary to protect Murray Valley water sources from over-use and preserve what little water is available for essential purposes. Using water in contravention to these restrictions is essentially water theft. While the Department encourages voluntary compliance with the new restrictions, as a last resort penalties may be imposed for any breaches.

Can I water my lawn at all?
No. You cannot water a domestic lawn.

If I trade water in, can I use it to water my lawn?
No, all water pumped from the Murray River (surface water) or from any groundwater system in the Valley is subject to these restriction.

Why can councils water ovals or parks?
Local councils may continue to water playing fields as long as they comply with the conditions of their water licence. Councils have a responsibility to act in the best interest of all rate payers, which includes protecting and maintaining public infrastructure and amenities. Also, as the bores used by local councils access water from deep within the groundwater system, there is less of a risk that this extraction will affect the immediate health of the Murray River.

When will the restrictions be lifted?
The restrictions will be lifted when water availability in the Murray Valley has improved. The restrictions are currently in place until 30th June 2008 but will be kept under constant review.

Is the Murray Valley the only place where these restrictions apply?
No, there are similar restrictions in the Blue Mountains and in Tamworth.

In each case, the following water cannot be used on domestic lawns, only on trees and shrubs

Water from a licensed stock and domestic bore, outside the Council supply area
High security surface water, outside the council supply area
Licensed stock and domestic surface water outside Council supply area
Water taken under basic landholder right from a river or creek, outside Council supply area.
Licensed general security (payback).

For more information contact your local office.