Hydrometric Network Review

Our review

We have completed a review of our hydrometric networks in the Murray-Darling Basin, in collaboration with WaterNSW.

The comprehensive review analyses our stream, dam and groundwater bore networks, including:

• surface water flow and level
• surface water quality
• meteorological i.e. rainfall and other weather parameters
• groundwater level
• groundwater quality.

The review assesses our hydrometric networks within the joint agencies area of operation and responsibility, as well as considering the interests of water stakeholders in the following:

• planning for our future resources and sharing water
• operating and managing the delivery and take of water
• compliance and enforcement
• public interest
• accounting for water use
• evaluating water in the landscape and its associated outcomes, including for environmental water.

This work fulfils requirements under the Murray–Darling Basin Compliance Compact, 2018. Under the compact we must:

• publish a review of our water information (hydrometric) requirements
• publish a water information (hydrometric) improvement plan
• report annually on our progress against our improvement plan.

From our Hydrometric Review we developed our Hydrometric Improvement Plan. Together with the Commonwealth, we have secured funding to install new equipment and sites. This will update our extensive hydrometric network and make it more robust.