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🇦🇺 Australia /Environment & Climate

Wet winter sees River Murray roar with unexpected flows and life

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The River Murray in South Australia is experiencing unexpectedly high flows, revitalizing its ecosystem after a dry start to the year.
  • Daily water flow into South Australia has reached approximately 22.5 gigalitres, the highest levels seen since the 2022-23 floods.
  • Locals and environmental officials welcome the increased flows for ecological benefits and recreational opportunities, though caution is advised due to faster currents.

South Australia's River Murray is roaring back to life with unexpectedly strong flows, bringing a much-needed boost to its ecosystem after a dry start to the year. Tasha Morath, who has swum in the river daily for seven years, notes the increased resistance but also the vibrant conditions for fishing and boating.

I can definitely feel the resistance at the moment but there are still really good conditions still for fishing, boating, kayaking, skiing and all those sorts of things.

— Tasha MorathDescribing her experience swimming in the River Murray with increased flows.

Approximately 22.5 gigalitres of water are now flowing into South Australia daily, a significant increase from the mere 8 gigalitres in August 2025 and 4 gigalitres in August 2024. Damian Rowley, water delivery manager for the Department for Environment and Water, confirmed these are the most significant flows since the 2022-23 floods. While not reaching flood levels, the current volumes highlight the impact of recent rainfall across Victorian tributaries.

I just enjoy watching the pelicans come and go and they're happy at the moment.

— Tasha MorathObserving wildlife in the revitalized river environment.

"Increased flows are good environmentally; it's got benefits for fish, frogs and flood plain connection," Rowley stated. The department anticipates these flows will recede in the coming weeks before potentially increasing again in early September due to further rainfall. This resurgence is a welcome contrast to the dry conditions experienced earlier in the year.

This increased flow has been a big improvement because it was looking pretty dry at the start of this calendar year.

— Damian RowleyDepartment for Environment and Water official on the benefits of the current river flows.

Local businesses are also benefiting. Brenton Carle, owner of Canoe the Riverland, expressed pleasant surprise at the sustained high flows, which have raised the river level by 15-20 centimeters. "Turtles are breeding and laying eggs and everything's looking really good," he observed. The higher water levels also open up previously inaccessible creeks, enhancing opportunities for activities like school camps.

Increased flows are good environmentally; it's got benefits for fish, frogs and flood plain connection.

— Damian RowleyExplaining the ecological advantages of the higher water levels.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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