For irrigators across the Riverina and communities across the Far West, the water picture heading into winter 2026 is one that demands close attention.
The key dam levels as of 25 May paint a mixed picture. Burrinjuck Dam, which drives allocations for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and surrounding districts centred on Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera, is at 38 per cent. Blowering Dam, which supplements Burrinjuck for the southern Murrumbidgee system, is at 25 per cent. Wyangala Dam, which serves the Lachlan system and is relevant to producers around Hillston and Condobolin, is steady at 61 per cent.
The Menindee Lakes system, the lifeblood of Broken Hill and communities along the lower Darling, is at 33 per cent and falling. The El Nino outlook for the Darling catchment – which draws from southern Queensland and northern New South Wales – reduces the probability of significant replenishment over winter and spring.
For irrigators in the Murrumbidgee system, allocation decisions made in the coming months will be shaped by those storage levels and the seasonal inflow outlook. The Bureau of Meteorology and Murray-Darling Basin Authority both publish updated seasonal outlooks that irrigators and water managers use to plan ahead. NSW Water publishes allocation announcements and water sharing plan updates at waternsw.com.au.
The Murray system is under more pressure than it appeared earlier in the season. Hume Dam, one of the key upstream regulators of the River Murray, is at 23 per cent and falling. While Dartmouth Dam provides additional buffer, the trajectory in the upper Murray catchment warrants close monitoring as the low-inflow winter period sets in.
Irrigators are strongly encouraged to check the current allocation position for their specific water source before making planting, infrastructure or trading decisions. Allocation positions can change quickly in low-inflow conditions, and decisions made on the basis of current allocations may need to be revisited as the season develops.
Current dam levels and allocation information is available at waternsw.com.au. Murray-Darling Basin Authority seasonal outlooks are available at mdba.gov.au.
This article appeared on Back Country Bulletin on 25 May 2026.
