Water Recovery

This program aims to achieve cost-effective, permanent recovery of water that contributes to fulfilling ecological objectives under The Living Murray program. During the program’s first step, more than $500 million is being invested to recover 500 GL of water for the environment.

There are a number of ways in which this water can be recovered, including:

• Infrastructure improvements: Water can be recovered by improving or installing new infrastructure to allow better measurement and control of flows, or reduce evaporation and seepage. Sometimes this process involves removing outdated or superseded infrastructure. These types of projects generally lead to efficiency gains.
• On-farm initiatives: Incentives can be offered, or programs facilitated, to encourage land owners to improve the use of water on their properties.
• Market-based measures: These involve the purchase of water from willing sellers. Often referred to as a ‘buyback’ of water from users, these projects can be implemented quickly. Several types of market-based measures are being considered through The Living Murray.
• Urban improvements: Water can be recovered from urban areas as well as rural areas through improved use of water. This can be achieved through demand management (reducing reliance on water), permanent water conservation measures, or water recycling projects.

The process of water recovery

Once a water recovery project is shown to be feasible, it may be listed on the central register of water recovery measures. This register is made up of three parts (Developmental, Eligible Measures, and Environmental Water). The process of water recovery, including the three parts of the register, is illustrated in the following diagram:

Further information

Water recovery progress report November 2011

Water recovery measures

The Living Murray First Step: frequently asked questions

For archived information on the Pilot Environmental Water Purchase project, see ‘Environmental water purchase’.