DIRE predictions about the future of the River Murray had been proven true
20 years ahead of time, South Australian Premier Mike Rann has said.
Touring the lower reaches of the Murray today, Mr Rann said levels were so
low and so salty the water was undrinkable and virtually useless for watering.
Scientists had previously warned that Murray water would be undrinkable
much of the time within the next two decades if salinity levels continued
to rise.
But Mr Rann said that situation was now a reality for the 275 kilometre
stretch of the river from Blanchetown, north-east of Adelaide, to the
Murray mouth.
"While this is a temporary condition that may take some years to overcome,
it has given us a nasty glimpse of how the river could end up permanently
if we don't put the work in now to restore its health," Mr Rann said.
"The severity of the drought means water levels in the river's lower
reaches are so low and the salinity levels are so high that the little
water remaining has been rendered useless for drinking and watering."
Mr Rann said because of the low flows from the Murray, Lake Alexandrina was
only half a metre deep on average and was evaporating at the rate of one
centimetre a day.
He said flows down the Murray had reduced from an average of 5,000
gigalitres a year to 1,850 gigalitres since December 2001 because of three
years of unusually dry conditions.
"The combined impact of severe drought and rising salt levels will have a
major impact on wine growers, citrus and stone-fruit growers, dairy
farmers, recreational boat users and tourist operators along the southern
stretch of the river, including the lower lakes over the next few months,"
the premier said.
"That sends a timely and very real message to our leaders across the nation.
"That message is - tackling the problems of the River Murray cannot be
optional.
"We do not have a choice. We must act to save the river before it is too
late."
Mr Rann said unless there was massive rainfall this winter the situation
for the Murray would be just as bad next summer
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