Water Market Information

Water users can buy or sell their water rights, on a permanent or temporary basis. Water markets enable participants, including irrigators, to buy and sell water rights.

Water Markets

There is no single ‘water market’ in the Murray–Darling Basin. There are a set of interrelated markets, split across product types and geographic areas. Most market activity occurs in the southern connected Murray–Darling Basin. Water can be traded within and between trading zones, including between states, where river systems are connected.

Navigating the water market can be complex. The following provides some information about how water markets are regulated and where to find information.

Water Markets Intermediaries Code

A regulatory Code exists for water markets intermediaries. Further information about the Code can be found on the ACCC website.

The Code applies to water market intermediaries such as:

  • brokers
  • exchanges
  • irrigation infrastructure operators (IIOs) that provide intermediary services including operating an exchange
  • any other intermediary service providers.

These intermediaries also need to follow new trust accounting obligations under the Water Act 2007.

Water Market Decisions

New obligations for announcing and reporting water markets decisions apply from 1 July 2026.

Water markets decisions are specific types of decisions that are defined in new regulations under the Water Act. They relate to actions taken or planned by:

  • Commonwealth agencies
  • Basin State agencies
  • Private and public irrigation infrastructure operators (IIOs)

These bodies are required to publicly announce any water market decisions they make. These decisions will be published on the Bureau of Meteorology’s Water Data Hub website.

Insider Trading & Market Manipulation prohibitions

From 1 July 2026 it will be prohibited for an individual who is aware of upcoming water announcement information to take certain actions. These actions include trading based on that information or communicating about water announcement information to someone who might trade based on it.

Water announcement information includes:

  • a water markets decision that has not yet been announced
  • sensitive details about a water markets decisions before it is made public.

Exceptions include: 

  • if a Commonwealth or Basin State agency has arrangements in place to ensure that there is an information barrier between staff who are aware of the sensitive information and other staff who are making trading decisions.
  • if an IIO approves or facilitates a specific trade or transfer on behalf of a member or customer

Data and systems reform

New rules will apply from 1 July 2027 requiring better reporting of water markets data. this will provide increased transparency and greater confidence to water market participants in the Murray-Darling Basin. From 1 July 2027, the Bureau will:

  • deliver encrypted identifying water markets information through its Water Data Hub to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Inspector-General of Water Compliance (IGWC). This will support their monitoring and compliance functions under the Water Act 2007.
  • receive de-identified water markets information through its Water Data Hub
  • publish this information from data providers on its new water markets webpage. This will support transparency in water markets.

The Water Data Hub

The Bureau of Meteorology is the custodian of a range of national water data and Murray-Darling Basin water markets data.

The Water Data Hub is part of Australia’s national water information infrastructure. Its purpose is to collect, standardise, and provide access to water data from agencies across the country, making it easier for water users, researchers, irrigation operators, governments, and communities to find consistent information.

The Hub brings together data from state, territory, and Commonwealth water agencies, including:

  • River levels and streamflow
  • Groundwater information
  • Rainfall and hydrological data
  • Water storage levels
  • Water market information
  • Murray–Darling Basin water information
  • Water restrictions and urban water reporting

Water Brokers and Exchanges

A water broker assists water users to buy, sell or lease water entitlements and water allocations. Acting as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, water brokers help clients navigate the water market, identify trading opportunities, negotiate transactions and manage the administrative requirements associated with water trades. Their market knowledge and industry networks can help irrigators, businesses and investors make informed decisions and access a wider range of trading opportunities.

Water brokers operate throughout the Murray–Darling Basin and other water markets across Australia. You can find a broker by searching online, seeking recommendations from industry organisations, consultants or fellow irrigators, or by consulting professional broker directories and industry associations. Before engaging a broker, consider comparing their experience, market knowledge, fee structures and the range of services they provide to ensure they meet your needs.

A water exchange is an online marketplace where buyers and sellers can list water for sale or purchase and transact directly through a trading platform. Exchanges generally provide transparency by displaying current listings, prices and market activity, allowing participants to compare options and make their own trading decisions. While exchanges may offer lower transaction costs and greater visibility of the market, they typically provide less personalised support than a broker.