Water allocation prices
Current water allocation prices across Zone 1A (Goulburn), Zone 6 (Vic Murray Above Choke) and Zone 7 (Vic Murray Below Choke). Prices move daily based on supply, demand, and seasonal conditions. For a live quote benchmarked against today’s market, call (03) 5824 3833.
Market data
Recent allocation trades across Victoria.
Prices pulled live from the Victorian Water Register. Recorded transactions, not indicative quotes.
Connecting to Victorian Water Register…
Data sourced from the VWR public allocation-market dashboard. Figures are indicative only and may not reflect the price you receive.
What drives water allocation prices?
Water allocation prices in the Murray-Darling Basin respond to five core forces. Understanding each helps buyers and sellers time their trades.
Seasonal allocation announcements
State water authorities (Victorian Water Register, WaterNSW, DEW SA) announce allocation percentages at the start of the water year (1 July) and update them throughout the season. Higher announced percentages typically soften prices; below-average announcements drive prices up.
Supply — storage levels and inflows
Carryover storage in major reservoirs (Hume, Dartmouth, Lake Victoria) sets the physical ceiling for available water. Low storage entering spring compresses supply and pushes allocation prices higher.
Demand — irrigation and horticulture
Demand peaks from October through February when irrigators are actively applying water. Permanent plantings — particularly almonds, wine grapes and dairy pasture — create a price floor because demand cannot easily be deferred.
Carryover
Entitlement holders who carry allocation water from one season to the next reduce the urgency to buy early. Heavy carryover positions into a new year tend to dampen early-season prices.
Interstate trade (IVT)
Interstate water trading allows allocation to move between Victorian, NSW and SA zones subject to Barmah Choke delivery constraints. When IVT is open and the Choke is not constrained, price differentials between zones narrow.
Trading zones
Zone 1A — Greater Goulburn
Victorian allocation zone covering the Goulburn and Broken systems. Dominated by dairy and horticulture demand.
Zone 6 — Vic Murray (Above Choke)
Victorian Murray system upstream of the Barmah Choke. Prices influenced by Victorian allocation announcements and inter-zone trade demand.
Zone 7 — Vic Murray (Below Choke)
Victorian Murray below the Barmah Choke. Almonds, wine grapes, citrus and dairy drive seasonal demand.
Where to find water price data
Published water prices reflect recent trade data and may lag actual market conditions by days. For any material purchase or sale, speak with a broker who can provide a live quote based on current market depth.
Price data published by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), the Victorian Water Register and WaterNSW provides the most authoritative public record of completed trades.
Liz Johnston
Senior Water Broker