Points of interest

Water inflows
(PDF 400kb)

Water Inflows and significant flooding/drought events

The graph above shows historical inflow data against the long–term average. For the system to be sustainable, it is important that the amount of water taken out leaves enough water to meet environmental needs. The Basin Plan's Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) represent a 'safe' amount of water than can be removed for human use while leaving enough for a healthy environment and to support future populations. Read more

Download PDF (9.0 MB)

Overview of the hydrologic indicator site method

The rivers in the Murray-Darling Basin are more than just paths for water; they provide connections to floodplains and wetlands; they transport nutrients, carbon, salt and sediments; and they create habitats for native plants and animals. Because river flows vary over days, seasons and years, the water dependency of ecosystems varies, with some needing water periodically and some needing it all the time. Read more

Download PDF (3.1 MB)

River flows – connecting floodplains and wetlands

Floodplains and wetlands require periodic flooding to maintain a healthy environment. When river levels rise above channel capacity, water flows out onto floodplains and wetlands, distributing nutrients, carbon and depositing silt. This makes floodplains fertile and provides habitat for animals and plants to reproduce. When water recedes, some of the nutrients, carbon and silt are carried back to the river channel and downstream. Many organisms also return to the river. Read more