Opening NSW water allocations for 2026–27 reflects sharply different conditions across the state.
High-priority uses, including town water, environmental waste, and domestic and stock needs, have received full-opening allocations. However, dry conditions mean some inland general security users will start the water year with little or no new allocation.
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said most licence holders have access to good volumes of water.
That access varies across inland regions, where below-average rainfall has reduced inflows.
Where are NSW water allocations strongest?
Coastal catchments have opened with largely full allocations.
Most northern inland valleys also have moderate to strong allocations, particularly in the Namoi and Gwydir systems.
Many general security users will have access to sufficient water in 2026–27 through opening allocations or carryover balances. Those carryover balances are fully deliverable.
Supplementary, unregulated river and floodplain harvesting licences have also received full opening allocations, subject to Section 324 Orders where appropriate.
Most groundwater users have also received full opening allocations.
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Which inland regions are under pressure?
General security users in the NSW Border Rivers, NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee have received no opening allocation for 2026–27. Only a limited allocation is initially available in the Lower Darling. The department said the outcome reflects ongoing dry conditions in those regions.
Rainfall across NSW over the past 12 months has been varied. Some coastal and far western areas recorded above-average rainfall. Southern, central and northern inland regions recorded below-average rainfall, reducing inflows into water storages.
What do dam storage levels show?
Major dams across the rural network remain at moderate but declining levels. The network is averaging about 49 per cent of capacity. It is holding about 8,300 gigalitres of water. That storage position means the state has enough water to secure critical needs. It also shows why some general security users face a more constrained start to the year.
For irrigators and other licence holders, the early allocation position will shape planning for crop decisions, carryover use and risk management.
Water allocation statements for major regulated river systems will continue to be published and updated at least monthly.
How will conditions be managed?
NSW DCCEEW said it will continue to monitor conditions and announce changes to water availability and outlooks as the 2026–27 water year progresses.
Director of Water Planning Implementation Allan Raine said the opening allocations reflect the state’s highly variable climate.
“We know NSW can be a land of contrasting extremes, and these past 12 months have certainly been true to that,” Raine said. “While some areas have experienced well above average rainfall, other parts have been battling increasingly dry conditions.
“Despite this, it’s encouraging to see reliable allocations for many water users, and importantly, to know water for the most critical needs is locked in for the next year.”
Raine said the department would keep watching dry regions and climate outlooks as the new water year develops.
“We will continue to closely watch those regions experiencing dry conditions, as well as the climate outlook for the new water year to ensure water availability is managed carefully and sustainably.”
