Water used to keep our rivers healthy is known as ‘water for the environment’
Rivers and wetlands in the Murray Darling Basin have been changed to provide water for towns, industry and food production.
With runoff from rainfall now captured in dams or extracted for human use, the seasonal flow of water that plants and animals need to survive has been interrupted.
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Office delivers water for the environment when and where plants and animals need it most. It is used to help rivers flow, keep native plants healthy, and support feeding and breeding of native animals, birds, fish and frogs.
This is critical to keeping rivers healthy, so they can continue to sustain healthy communities.
Healthy Rivers, Healthy Communities
An introduction to water for the environment and how it is carefully managed to ensure it delivers the best environmental outcomes, while benefiting river communities.
Water Management Plan 2021-22
Find out more about our annual planning process and what we aim to achieve with water for the environment in our 2021-22 Water Management Plan.
Water for the environment is making a difference
Good news stories about how water for the environment is being delivered to help native plants and animals, and keep our rivers, floodplains and wetlands healthy.