Drought Update: May

Once again there have been low levels of rainfall.

Rainfall during autumn has been below average and flows of water into the Murray system during March and April remained extremely low. Looking at past records indicates that after a dry autumn, inflows of water into the river system will remain low during winter and spring.

It is also believed that lower rainfall and reduced water runoff in south-eastern Australia is linked to global warming.

The condition of the Coorong and Lower Lakes in South Australia is grave and deteriorating.

There has been no flow-through since 2006 and during May the MDBC started pumping water into Lake Albert to prevent any further exposure of acidic sediments.

Lower water availability will impact on all users and the environment. Essential urban, stock and domestic water needs for 2008-09 are reasonably assured. Critical human needs will be met by using supplies from the Murray provided flows of water into the river system do not decline further.

The Bureau of Meteorology has reported that the El Niño cycle is now neutral and the La Niña event in the Pacific Basin has dissipated. These neutral conditions are expected to remain throughout winter and the outlook for rain from May to July may bring a slightly wetter than normal season in the northern half of the Murray-Darling Basin.

The partner governments of the Murray-Darling Basin will continue to manage the water available for both human and environmental needs.

For more information go to: www.mdbc.gov.au