About water availability
We use the rules in water sharing plans to distribute available surface and groundwater resources sustainably and fairly. We also ensure that water entitlements and allocations are secure and tradeable in accordance with plans and rules.
A water allocation, or available water determination, is the proportion of a licensed water user’s entitlement credited to their water account for use. Allocations vary over time based on the water available in dams, river flows and the prevailing catchment and weather conditions.
Allocations
We develop allocations based on water availability and water sharing plans rules.
Drought, floods and extreme events
During extreme events we play a critical role.
Controlled allocations
Obtain a new groundwater licence through a controlled allocation (or tender) process.
We are working through the reforms recommended by the National Water Initiative.
Managing groundwater and surface water extractions against extractions limits.
Current temporary water restrictions for regulated river, unregulated river and groundwater water sources.
Information on the assessment of management of the 2020 Northern Basin First Flush event.
How we managed inflows from widespread rainfall over north-west NSW and southern Queensland during January and March 2020.
Our hydrogeologists reviewed and analysed data from 1,300 groundwater monitoring sites.