The reservoirs supplying metropolitan Adelaide have dropped to their lowest levels in over 20 years due to persistent dry conditions, according to the Annual Water Security Update 2025 presented to the South Australian Parliament.

The report indicates that the inflows of water to the reservoirs have been the lowest recorded in approximately 40 years, largely due to insufficient rainfall.

As of now, the total water levels across the city’s reservoirs stand at 38 percent, down from 50 percent on the same date in the previous year, as reported by state water authority SA Water.

Environment Minister Susan Close has indicated that while the reservoirs are not anticipated to reach full capacity by the end of the summer, measures are in place to manage water supplies comprehensively.

In an effort to mitigate the impact of the drought, water is being continuously pumped from the River Murray to bolster supplies.

Close stated that the region faces potential risks from a dry winter and stressed the importance of maintaining reservoir levels through these measures.

Notably, the Lonsdale desalination plant has been operating at full capacity since January to address the crisis, producing up to 100 gigalitres of potable water annually.

The continued operation of this facility has prevented the necessity for water restrictions that might have been unavoidable had reliance solely been on traditional water sources.

The drought has predominantly affected the southern regions of South Australia, including parts of southeast Victoria, though flood conditions have been reported in the state’s north.

Flood warnings have been issued for several inland rivers in northeastern South Australia, with reports indicating elevated water levels along the Cooper Creek near Innamincka, where locals have described exceptional flooding events.

As conditions worsen in some areas, farmers and households that are not connected to main water supplies are increasingly facing challenges, prompting significant demand for water carting services.

The state government has initiated emergency relief measures, resulting in over 1,000 litres of potable water being distributed to approximately 200 individuals at collection points across affected communities.

Despite the drought conditions in southern regions, Minister Close noted that the River Murray itself is not currently experiencing drought conditions, enabling ongoing water allocations to sustain the reservoirs.

However, she expressed concerns regarding the long-term implications of climate change, particularly highlighting the record-breaking heat observed in 2024 and its potential to exacerbate water security issues moving forward.

Authorities continue to monitor environmental conditions and adapt strategies to prepare for the increasing frequency of drought scenarios, reaffirming the necessity of robust water security planning amid changing climatic patterns.