The New South Wales Government has implemented a temporary water restriction affecting the Upper Murrumbidgee River, specifically targeting Murrumbidgee I and II water sources.
PHOTO: Upper Murrumbidgee River CREDIT: DCCEEW
Effective from Friday, February 7, to Friday, February 28, 2025, this measure aims to safeguard environmental water releases from being extracted, thereby enhancing ecological outcomes in the region during dry conditions.
These restrictions have increased the cease-to-pump thresholds applicable to unregulated river access license holders. Detailed information on these updated thresholds is available on the WaterInsights Murrumbidgee I and II web pages.
The temporary restrictions do not extend to water use for stock, domestic purposes, or the town water supply.
A Spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said “These environmental water releases do not impact Cooma’s town water supply.”
“We are actively monitoring conditions in the Upper Murrumbidgee. If they remain dry, there is a chance that drought management measures may be required to maintain high priority needs such as Cooma town water supply.”
“If this occurs, we may need to adjust the temporary water restriction to a cease-to-take announcement.”
The Natural Resources Access Regulator will oversee compliance with these new regulations through field staff monitoring efforts. For further information on the restrictions, visit: www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/temporary-water-restrictions