Trading water

Access important dates, application forms and frequently asked questions about water trading.

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Improving access to trade in the southern Murray-Darling Basin

Alongside the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), we have developed a draft principles-based framework (PDF, 806.29 KB) to assess options to improve access, efficiency and equity to inter-valley trade (IVT) opportunities. The draft principles aim to provide equitability across water market participants.

How can you get involved?

We are seeking feedback on the draft framework (PDF, 806.29 KB) and encourage you to submit additional ideas on what should be assessed in the next stage of the project.

Attend the webinar

In partnership with DEECA we will be hosting a public webinar on Thursday 17 July 2025 at 11:00am AEST. This presentation will provide you with information on the draft framework and give you an opportunity to ask questions to the presenters.

Submit feedback

We are encouraging market participants and interested parties to provide their feedback on the draft framework and alternate options for assessment through the survey below.

Please be advised that the survey will close Sunday 17 August 2025  at 11:59pm and responses will be made available anonymously on our website.

Submit feedback

Next steps

In collaboration with DEECA we will consolidate all the feedback we receive and publish a joint report on what we heard during the consultation.

This report is planned to be published in September, alongside a final assessment framework that incorporates feedback received.

To receive email updates on this consultation, subscribe to our water market updates.

Trading water

Water sharing plans in NSW allow the trade of allocation water subject to some conditions. Select the water type you wish to trade and follow the three easy steps listed in the pop-out window.

WaterNSW will not accept requests to backdate or amend a water allocation trade application after the season close date.

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2025-26 season closing dates

In accordance with the relevant valley water sharing plans (WSPs), please note the following season close dates for water allocation trading:

  • Murrumbidgee regulated water interstate – 11:59pm 30 April 2026
  • NSW Murray and Lower Darling regulated river interstate – 11:59pm 30 April 2026
  • Murrumbidgee regulated intravalley – 11:59pm 30 June 2026
  • All other regulated water, groundwater and unregulated water (unless otherwise noted) - 11:59pm 30 June 2026

Please be aware that some water sharing plans lapsed on 1 July 2025. Changes to season closing dates may apply once replacement plans are finalised. For more information, please check the NSW DCCEEW website.

WaterNSW will not accept customer requests to backdate or amend a water allocation trade application after the above season close dates.

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Regulated water trade application form

Important information before completing your application

information blue icon

Please ensure you read the following on the water trade updates section of the main webpage, as it may impact your application:

  • Customer trade application obligations
  • 'Grandfathered' tagged water entitlements

Step 1: Download and complete the application form

Use this form to buy and sell water within a regulated river system under the Water Management Act 2000.  

Form 71 for surface water assignment

Please download a separate allocation assignment form for each trade to avoid duplicate applications.

Step 2: Pay the application processing fee

There is an application fee of $59.56 (GST free) for each application to assign regulated surface water.

WaterNSW now requires the payment of variable usage charges for all allocation assignments involving a buyer licence not linked to a NSW Works Approval.

Applicants should note that the variable usage charge will be based on the valley of use. Variable usage charges should be included with the transfer fee on application.

Please contact our Customer Service Centre to confirm the usage charge in your valley prior to lodging your application.

To make a payment through PayWay, visit the Westpac PayWay webpage and enter Biller code 228627. View the Westpac PayWay how-to guide for assistance.

Step 3: Submit the application form

Applications can be emailed or mailed to the address below.

Email water.trade@waternsw.com.au

WaterNSW
PO Box 453
DENILIQUIN NSW 2710

For any enquiries, please contact our Customer Service Centre.

If you are emailing your application make sure you send each application separately to ensure that no forms are missed. It is also a good idea to include your SWC reference number in the subject line of the email so that we can identify your trade quickly if you need to enquire about its progress.

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Unregulated water trade application form
Important information before completing your application

information blue icon

Please ensure you read the following on the water trade updates section of the main webpage, as it may impact your application:

  • Customer trade application obligations

Step 1: Download and complete the application form

Use this form to buy and sell water within an unregulated source under the Water Management Act 2000. 

Form 71 for unregulated water assignment

Please download a separate allocation assignment form for each trade to avoid duplicate applications.

Step 2: Pay the application processing fee

There is a $58.16 (GST free) application fee for each application to assign unregulated water.

Where can I find more details about these fees?

The above fee structure has been set in accordance with the relevant IPART Water Pricing determinations.

Details of the fee and IPART determination can be found on the fees and charges page.

To make a payment through PayWay, visit the Westpac PayWay webpage and enter Biller code 228627. View the Westpac PayWay how-to guide for assistance.

If you require any further information, or assistance you can contact the Customer Service Centre.

Step 3: Submit the application form

Applications can be emailed or mailed to the address below.

Email water.trade@waternsw.com.au

WaterNSW
PO Box 453
DENILIQUIN NSW 2710

For any enquiries, please contact our Customer Service Centre.

If you are emailing your application make sure you send each application separately to ensure that no forms are missed. It is also a good idea to include your SWC reference number in the subject line of the email so that we can identify your trade quickly if you need to enquire about its progress.

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Groundwater trade application form

Important information before completing your application

information blue icon

Please ensure you read the following on the water trade updates section of the main webpage, as it may impact your application:

  • Customer trade application obligations
  • Third-party consent
  • Groundwater trade assessment, including end of water year account balancing

Step 1: Download and complete the application form

Use this form to buy and sell water within a groundwater source under the Water Management Act 2000. 

Form 71 for groundwater assignment

Please download a separate allocation assignment form for each trade to avoid duplicate applications.

Step 2: Pay the application processing fee

There is a $58.16 (GST free) application fee for each application to assign groundwater.

Where can I find more details about these fees?

The above fee structure has been set in accordance with the relevant IPART Water Pricing determinations.

Details of the fee and IPART determination can be found on the fees and charges page.

To make a payment through PayWay, visit the Westpac PayWay webpage and enter Biller code 228627. View the Westpac PayWay how-to guide for assistance.

If you require any further information, or assistance you can contact the Customer Service Centre.

Step 3: Submit the application form

Applications can be emailed or mailed to the address below.

Email water.trade@waternsw.com.au

WaterNSW
PO Box 453
DENILIQUIN NSW 2710

For any enquiries, please contact our Customer Service Centre.

If you are emailing your application make sure you send each application separately to ensure that no forms are missed. It is also a good idea to include your SWC reference number in the subject line of the email so that we can identify your trade quickly if you need to enquire about its progress.

Barmah Choke trade

Information about 2 July 2025 Barmah Choke trade results

On Wednesday 2 July 2025, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority made 38,767.7 megalitres (ML) of allocation trade opportunity available from above to below the Barmah Narrows. As in previous years, there was more demand than supply.

2025 marked the third year that NSW and Victoria  synchronised the timing of the Barmah trade opportunity.

This year, Victoria and NSW implemented a new joint randomisation protocol for the processing of Barmah trade applications. The new protocol meant that differences in each state’s processing approach and systems did not influence traders’ access to the available Barmah trade opportunity. You can learn more about how the protocol worked here (PDF, 100.53 KB). This was independently observed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

A submission window for NSW and Victorian trade applications was open from 7 am to 2 pm on 2 July 2025.

Manual processing of the applications was undertaken on 3 July 2025, in the order determined by the randomisation process.

Please see below the key statistics from 2 July 2025 trade, or view a more detailed breakdown of the Barmah Choke trade here.

Key statistics from 2 July 2025 trade

In total, 235 trades were received for a volume of 86,418.9 ML.

  • 96 eligible trades were successful for a volume of 38,761ML.
  • 139 eligible trades were unsuccessful for a volume of 47,657.9 ML.

NSW:

  • 97 eligible trades were submitted in NSW for a total of 46,968.7 ML.
  • 45 eligible trades from NSW were successful for a total of 22,752.4ML.
  • 52 eligible trades from NSW were unsuccessful for a total of 24,216.3ML due to insufficient Barmah opportunity.

Victoria:

  • 138 eligible trades were submitted in Victoria for a total of 39,450.2 ML.
  • 51 eligible trades from Victoria were successful for a total of 16,008.6 ML.
  • 87 eligible trades from Victoria were unsuccessful for a total of 23,441.6 ML due to insufficient Barmah opportunity.

Information about 1 July 2024 Barmah Choke trade results

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), who manage and monitor the Barmah Choke trade balance, opened trade opportunity on 1 July 2024 at 56,038.7 megalitres (ML) downstream of the Barmah Choke.

WaterNSW and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) (Victoria) had been working together to ensure more equitable access to trade opportunities and a more unified experience for traders from both New South Wales and Victoria.

Traders have experienced no change to how they apply via each state’s process, but all users had better access to the trade opportunity regardless of which state the application is lodged from.

Please see below the key statistics from 1 July 2024 trade, or view a more detailed breakdown of the Barmah Choke trade here (PDF, 143.6 KB).

Key statistics from 1 July 2024 trade

In total, 161 trades were received for a volume of 136,528 ML.

  • 60 trades were successful for a volume of 56,032 ML.
  • 101 trades were unsuccessful for a volume of 80,496 ML.

NSW:

  • 74 trades were submitted in NSW for a total of 67,515 ML.
  • 29 trades from NSW were successful for a total of 33,931 ML.
  • 45 trades from NSW were unsuccessful for a total of 33,584 ML due to insufficient Barmah Choke opportunity.

Victoria:

  • 87 trades were submitted in Victoria for a total of 69,013 ML.
  • 31 trades from Victoria were successful for a total of 22,101 ML.
  • 37 trades from Victoria were unsuccessful for a total of 24,439 ML due to insufficient Barmah Choke opportunity.
  • 19 trades from Victoria were unsuccessful for a total of 22,472 ML due to insufficient account balances, some of which were duplicated application.

Water trade updates

Water Markets Intermediaries Code and statutory trust accounting obligations

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has introduced a mandatory Water Markets Intermediaries Code for water markets intermediaries in the Murray–Darling Basin under the Water Amendment (Water Markets Intermediaries Code and Trust Accounting Framework) Regulations 2025. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is responsible for regulating the Code and the trust accounting framework in the Water Act, including monitoring compliance and taking enforcement action when necessary or appropriate.

The code obligations apply to brokers, exchanges, irrigation infrastructure operators (IIOs), and other intermediary service providers (all eligible water markets intermediaries as defined in the Water Act, see Appendix B). These parties must comply with the new trust accounting obligations under the Water Act 2007.

The code will be in effect in two phases. Certain requirements of the code began on the 1 July 2025, with phase two commencing 1 October 2025. For more information, view the Water Amendment (Water Markets Intermediaries Code and Trust Accounting Framework) Regulations 2025 fact sheet.

Information session

The ACCC is hosting a free supplementary online information session for participants to learn about the new Water Markets Intermediaries Code and the ACCC’s approach to compliance. This information session will provide participants:

  • further details on the obligations commencing 1 October 2025
  • an overview of the ACCC’s guidance approach
  • time for questions and answers.

The information session will be held online on Thursday 24 July 2025 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (AEST). To register, please visit the ACCC’s website.

The ACCC have published guidance materials for the Water Markets Intermediaries Code and statutory trust accounting framework which can be found on the ACCC’s website.

Please review these materials before attending to assist you with any questions you may wish to raise in the session. The ACCC will be referring to the final regulations as part of its presentation.

Improving access to trade in the southern Murray-Darling Basin

Alongside the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), we have developed a draft principles-based framework (PDF, 806.29 KB) to assess options to improve access, efficiency and equity to inter-valley trade (IVT) opportunities. The draft principles aim to provide equitability across water market participants.

How can you get involved?

We are seeking feedback on the draft framework (PDF, 806.29 KB) and encourage you to submit additional ideas on what should be assessed in the next stage of the project.

Attend the webinar

In partnership with DEECA we will be hosting a public webinar on Thursday 17 July 2025 at 11:00am AEST. This presentation will provide you with information on the draft framework and give you an opportunity to ask questions to the presenters.

Submit feedback

We are encouraging market participants and interested parties to provide their feedback on the draft framework and alternate options for assessment through the survey below.

Please be advised that the survey will close Sunday 17 August 2025  at 11:59pm and responses will be made available anonymously on our website.

Submit feedback

Next steps

In collaboration with DEECA we will consolidate all the feedback we receive and publish a joint report on what we heard during the consultation.

This report is planned to be published in September, alongside a final assessment framework that incorporates feedback received.

Customer trade application obligations

From 1 July 2024, there will be new customer obligations when providing information to WaterNSW for trade transactions. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), through its Murray-Darling Basin water markets inquiry 2019-21 recommended mandatory reporting of prices for all tradeable water rights transactions, including irrigation rights and water delivery rights. The Federal Government accepted their recommendation and has made it a legal requirement under the Restoring our Rivers Bill 2023.

What does this change mean for me?

  • Trade and transfer application forms must be completed comprehensively and accurately, even if it is commercially sensitive, commercial in confidence, or personal information. This means you are required to state the correct reason for the trade and the accurate price paid.
  • Records that relate to reason for trade and price information that are provided to water market authorities will need to be kept by the person for a minimum of 5 years.
  • Failure to comply can result in serious civil penalties.

To ensure you remain compliant or for more information, view the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water fact sheet here.

Understanding groundwater impact assessments, including end of water year account balancing

WaterNSW will now only refer ‘Groundwater 71T dealings’ (allocation assignments / temporary trades) to NSW DCCEEW where an impact assessment is required. Impact assessment referrals are made based on set guidelines.

To assist you in understanding the process and the assessment requirements, please refer to the NSW DCCEEW fact sheet.

Customers should be aware that, the water account balancing or topping up at the end of a water year (including trades received in the month of June) will be considered trade within that same water year and could be subject to an impact assessment which may result in a reduced volume or a refused application, depending on the outcome of the individual assessment.

'Grandfathered' tagged water entitlements

The Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023 (CTH) has passed, which removes 'grandfathered' tagged water entitlements. From 1 July 2024, the changes introduced mean that all tagged water entitlements that were issued before 22 October 2010 will be subject to the same restrictions as other water entitlement holders in terms of water allocation trade. For more information, please read our Grandfathered tag status frequently asked questions (FAQs)  (PDF, 443.97 KB)

Third-party consent

    From 1 July 2024, we will re-commence third-party consent checks on applicable groundwater trades (71T Dealings), applying modern privacy principles to the process. In addition to this improved process, WaterNSW will also improve transparency for market participants around impact assessments for groundwater trades. 

    What does this mean for me?

    • We will provide relevant support to applicants in helping to identify third-parties who may be impacted by their application to trade groundwater.
    • When needed, we will provide applicants with a third-party consent form*. This form is used to gain consent from the third-party within 10 business days for an impact assessment. We will also provide general information to those who may be impacted.*Disclaimer: The below is an example image of our third-party consent form. The form will be provided as required from WaterNSW.

    Impacted third party consent form sample

    • If you can't obtain consent, your application might be denied, or the transfer amount reduced to an amount where there is no third-party impact.

    For more information about the new process for completing temporary trades, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and approval timelines, please refer to our frequently asked questions (PDF, 315.93 KB) and this fact sheet.

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Forms, fact sheets, guides

Fact sheets

Guides and frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Tips for completing the allocation assignment forms

Trading water sample form

1. This is the reference number of your form. The number on each form should be unique and allows WaterNSW to quickly track the progress of your application. You will also need to use this reference when making your payment via PayWay.

2. This section is where you enter the volume and price of the water you want to assign (trade). You can check the current available balance on your licence by contacting our Customer Service Centre, or by logging into your iWAS account.

3. If the sale price is zero ($0) and permitted for a trade purpose, please enter the Trade Purpose Classification stated in Part 5. If other, please enter the reason in the box provided.

4. This is where the seller completes the details relating to their licence. Remember to indicate your authority to make the application and record the registered licence holder details of the licence. If you would like WaterNSW to notify you when the application is complete, don’t forget to include your email address.

5. If the application is being submitted by a Broker, enter the Broker’s name and email address. WaterNSW will notify the agent when the application is completed.

6. This section lists the Trade Purpose Classification. Please note, if your sale price is $0, you cannot select a purpose marked with an asterisk.

7. This is where the seller can complete their Meter Reading

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