Menindee Lakes water levels hit five-year low, risking fish deaths

Key facts

• Menindee Lakes water levels are at their lowest in five years.
• Combined storage fell below 480 gigalitres, triggering restrictions.
• Experts warn of potential mass fish deaths over summer.

Water levels at Menindee Lakes in western New South Wales have fallen to their lowest point in five years, prompting the state government to impose upstream water use restrictions. Combined storage at Menindee Lakes fell below 480 gigalitres earlier this month, the first time since 2021. In the upper Menindee Lakes, water volumes have dropped below 250GL, a level that triggers temporary state water restrictions across parts of the northern Murray-Darling basin. These restrictions limit access for some irrigators and are intended to preserve water for critical human needs and the environment. Experts warn of a growing risk of summer fish kills unless flows down to Menindee Lakes via the Darling-Baaka River improve.