Menindee storage triggers new water curbs

New South Wales imposed temporary water restrictions in the northern Murray-Darling basin after Menindee Lakes storage dropped to its lowest level in five years. The state government acted as combined volumes fell below 480 gigalitres earlier this month, the first time that threshold has been breached since 2021. These measures limit access for some irrigators to preserve water for human needs and environmental health.

The decline follows 12 months of low rainfall in the catchment. Volumes in the upper Menindee Lakes have dropped under 250 gigalitres, a specific trigger point for state-wide restrictions. Experts warn that the current conditions increase the probability of mass fish deaths during the upcoming summer months.

Menindee has experienced severe fish kills in 2018, 2019, and 2023, when millions of dead fish washed ashore along the Darling-Baaka River. Prof Jamie Pittock of the Australian National University and the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists stated that officials now predict fish kills with certainty if water flows do not increase. Pittock called for a major rainfall event and for state governments to stop irrigators from pumping the first flush of water.

Graeme McCrabb, a local resident who raised early alarms during the 2018-19 disasters, described the current levels as drought reserve volumes. He argued that water must be conserved at all costs to prevent further ecological damage. McCrabb noted that small inflows have arrived from the Queensland border after recent rain, but he emphasized that more water is needed to mitigate risk.

"If we don't get inflows, the risk [of fish kills] would be very high in January or February," McCrabb said. He added that a milder summer would also lower the risk. McCrabb expressed concern about the green algal appearance of the water, which signals poor quality.

Premier Chris Minns and senior ministers visited Menindee shortly after winning the 2023 state election to commit to investigating the fish kills. An expert panel established under the northern basin connectivity program recommended limiting upstream overextraction during dry periods. The panel delivered its final report two years ago, but the state government has not yet implemented the recommendations.

McCrabb expressed disappointment that government agencies have not made policy changes to improve water quality outcomes since the previous disasters. The NSW water minister, Rose Jackson, has been sought for comment on the new restrictions.