Following several years of significant rainfall and higher river levels in the Murray River during autumn, river users can expect a return to lower levels this Easter.
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is reminding river users to check conditions and advised communities downstream of Hume Dam that the river may be lower than in recent years over Easter.
MDBA River Operations senior director Tom Zouch said the high storage volume in Lake Victoria and water available in the Menindee Lakes at this time of year, means less water is required from Hume Dam to supply water all the way to South Australia.
“Our primary focus is to supply this season’s demand while making sure we're optimising water availability for future seasons,” Mr Zouch said.
“That means while there should be reasonable flow in the river, levels will be lower than recent years over Easter.
"Easter is an important time for local businesses, with peaks in tourism and recreational activities taking place right across the basin however, we cannot guarantee river levels.“
Mr Zouch encouraged river users to stay abreast of forecast river levels and plan their activities accordingly.
"Recreational activities that require deeper water such as boating can take advantage of weir pools along the river where suitable,“ he said.
"It's important to remember that river levels can change and may not be the same as the last time people visited the river.
“It's a reminder to all of us to always consider safety when using our rivers.”
To check river levels and forecasts, visit the MDBA's River Murray data website.