Flood recovery update 29 September 2023

Levees remain closed to the public

All government-owned levee banks along the Lower Murray from Mannum to Wellington remain closed to public access until further notice. While flood recovery works are being undertaken and until full condition assessments have been completed, recreational activities along the levee banks such as walking, cycling and fishing are not allowed.

Privately-owned levees along the Lower Murray are managed and maintained by private landowners and access to their levee banks is at their discretion. However, access to private levee banks where the government is undertaking flood recovery work is not permitted.

If you have queries about levee stabilisation works or would like to discuss your circumstance, please get in touch with the DEW key contacts below.

For more information and updates on works, see Levees.

River Murray flow in South Australia

As of 27 September 2023, the flow at the South Australian border is approximately 22 gigalitres per day.

The SA River Murray Flow Report is issued weekly and provides information on flows across the South Australian border, water levels, river infrastructure and impacts to the river.  Subscribe to the weekly SA River Murray Flow Report.

See Flow reports for more information.

Predicted water levels

Current water levels are updated daily

The water level in Lake Alexandrina is approximately 0.75 m AHD and Lake Albert is at approximately 0.74 m AHD.

The Lower Lakes are being managed to target a daily average lake level between 0.7 m AHD to 0.8 m AHD during September 2023. During adverse weather conditions SA Water will operate the barrages to minimise the risk of seawater entering Lake Alexandrina, therefore minimising any negative salinity impacts from reverse flow events. Every opportunity is being taken to release water when conditions permit. This includes having a large number of gates open when conditions are suitable and utilising automatic gates to open and close at all hours of the day in line with tide conditions.

Water Data SA has information on:

• gate openings at the barrages
• total daily flow releases from the barrages.

The latest flow information is available on the Flows and daily water levels webpage.

If you have any questions, please email the DEW Engagement Team: dew.wiocommunications@sa.gov.au.

Meter readings

Department for Environment and Water (DEW) understands that some customers may be unable to provide current meter readings due to the flood event. If you are unable to comply with meter reading requirements, or have any related concerns, please contact the DEW Water Licensing team at DEW.waterlicensingberri@sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8595 2053 to discuss your individual circumstances.

Inoperable water meters

Where a water meter is inoperable and needs to be replaced, it must comply with national metering standards for meter selection, installation and maintenance. This means that water meters must be:

• pattern approved non-urban water meters (PDF)
• validated by a certified person following installation
• maintained in accordance with national metering standards.

A certified person must complete a validation certificate following a validation on a water meter. Forms are available as pdf or docx.

Once you have been provided with a validation certificate, you are required to notify the DEW of the new meter installation by completing a Water Meter Notification Form.

Please contact the SA Farmer's Dairy Association (SADA) for the details of local certified contractors on (08) 8293 2399 or email sada@sada.asn.au.

Structural assessments and waste clean-up – closes 13 October

Disaster Management Australia (DMA) is delivering a large scope of work on behalf of Green Industries South Australia (GISA) under the Flood Waste Clean-up Program which continues to meet the clean-up needs of registrants across demolition, hazard reduction and the removal of flood waste.

Registration for the flood waste clean-up program will close 13 October 2023. If you haven't registered your property for any works and would like assistance, please register with GISA by calling 1800 302 787 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

If you have already registered and would like to discuss your support, please contact DMA on 1800 418 491. See disposing of flood-affected materials for more information.

Report a marine safety concern

If you notice any hazards in the waterways such as debris, please report to Marine Safety SA by phoning (08) 8248 3505 or call on radio channel 12.

You can also provide full details including images at Report a marine safety concern.

Post-flood weed support

The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board's district officers provide support to landholders, shack owners and primary producers by helping to identify potential weed species and provide advice about available control options. Landholders are encouraged to be on the lookout for emerging weeds, including unfamiliar weed species which may have travelled down river via flood waters. The benefits of this support include:

• free loan equipment
• herbicides
• control services
• advisory services.

Refer to Post flood weed support for more information. To arrange a property visit from a district officer, contact the Murray Bridge office on (08) 8532 9100.

Free Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccine

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.

Free JEV vaccination is available for a limited time. Book your vaccination now.

See SA Health Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccine for more information about JEV, eligibility, and where to get vaccinated.