Menindee Lakes water levels drop to lowest in five years as experts warn of mass fish deaths

New South Wales has introduced water restrictions upstream of Menindee Lakes after water volumes dropped to their lowest levels in five years, falling below 480 gigalitres—a threshold not seen since 2021. Environmental concerns are rising as experts warn of possible mass fish deaths during the summer months due to the declining water supply. The government’s move aims to mitigate further ecological damage in the drought-stricken region.

NSW government imposes water restrictions after Menindee water volumes fall below 2021 levelsSign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter hereWater 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 as experts warn of potential mass fish deaths over summer.Combined storage at Menindee Lakes fell below 480 gigalitres earlier this month, the first time since 2021. Continue reading...