Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW (NSW)), Media Release, 1 July 2026

Today’s opening water allocations reflect mixed conditions across NSW, with most licence holders having access to good volumes of water, though availability varies across some inland regions.  

Critically, all high priority uses, including town water, environmental and domestic and stock, have received full opening allocations, securing water where it is needed most. 

Many general security users will have access to good quantities of water in 2026–27, either through opening allocations or carry over balances, which are fully deliverable. 

Allocations across coastal catchments are largely full, with most northern inland valleys also having moderate to strong allocations, particularly in the Namoi and Gwydir. 

Due to ongoing dry conditions, general security users in the NSW Border Rivers, NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee have received no opening allocation this year, with only limited allocation initially available in the Lower Darling.

All supplementary, unregulated river and floodplain harvesting licences have received full opening allocations (subject to Section 324 Orders where appropriate), as have most groundwater users. 

Rainfall across NSW over the past 12 months has been varied, with above-average rainfall in some coastal and far western areas, and below average rainfall in southern, central and northern inland regions, leading to reduced inflows.  

Major dams across the rural network are at moderate but declining storage levels, averaging about 49 per cent of capacity and holding around 8,300?gigalitres. 

We will continue to monitor conditions and announce changes to water availability and outlooks as the 2026–27 water year progresses.  

Water allocation statements for major regulated river systems are published and updated at least monthly at: Allocations | Water.

NSW DCCEEW, Director of Water Planning Implementation, Allan Raine said:

“We know NSW can be a land of contrasting extremes, and these past 12 months have certainly been true to that. While some areas have experienced well above average rainfall, other parts have been battling increasingly dry conditions.  

“Despite this, it’s encouraging to see reliable allocations for many water users, and importantly, to know water for the most critical needs is locked in for the next year.” 

“We will continue to closely watch those regions experiencing dry conditions, as well as the climate outlook for the new water year to ensure water availability is managed carefully and sustainably.”