Temporary water restriction for the Upper Murrumbidgee River

The NSW Government has announced a temporary water restriction for the Upper Murrumbidgee River in the Murrumbidgee I and II water sources from Friday 7 February to Friday 28 February 2025.

The temporary water restriction is required to protect environmental water releases from extraction in the Upper Murrumbidgee River to improve ecological outcomes. Conditions have been relatively dry and during these periods environmental water needs to be protected.

This order increases the cease-to-pump thresholds which apply to unregulated river access licence holders. Raised cease-to-pump thresholds are published on the WaterInsights Murrumbidgee I and II pages.

The temporary water restriction does not apply to stock and domestic water or town water supply.

The restriction will remain in force up to and including Friday 28 February 2025, unless that date is amended or the order is repealed before that date.

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.

Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) field staff will be monitoring compliance with the order.

For more information visit: Temporary water restrictions.