Authorities have listed the current water quality threats in the Murray-Darling system. 

As the warmer months advance, the Murray-Darling Basin faces heightened water quality threats. 

According to recent assessments, the basin's waterways, already nutrient-rich, are increasingly susceptible to blue-green algae outbreaks. 

Additionally, certain areas, including the lower Darling (Baaka), are at risk of experiencing critically low dissolved oxygen levels, a situation exacerbated by recent flooding in Victorian catchments.

Also among the concerns is the risk of low dissolved oxygen levels, especially following prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. 

The lower Darling (Baaka) region, in particular, has been identified as an area where dissolved oxygen levels hover near or just above critical ecological thresholds. 

“Adaptive management actions are being undertaken to maintain or improve dissolved oxygen levels as required,” indicate recent reports, highlighting efforts to mitigate these conditions.

Immediate areas downstream of Hume Dam have also recorded low dissolved oxygen levels, attributed to the seasonal stratification of Lake Hume. 

This phenomenon results in the release of poorer quality water from the lake's deeper levels, prompting adaptive operational responses to address the issue.

The aftermath of significant flooding in the Goulburn and Campaspe Rivers in Victoria is likely to precipitate low dissolved oxygen levels in the lower reaches of the Goulburn River and potentially the River Murray in the forthcoming weeks, raising concerns among environmental scientists and local communities.

The risk of blue-green algae presents another significant concern, particularly in New South Wales, where most parts of the Murray-Darling Basin are currently vulnerable. 

The public is urged to contact the relevant state government contacts for the latest information on blue-green algae alerts, accessible via the designated webpage.

Elevated salinity levels have also been observed in some segments of the central Darling River and Menindee Lakes, further complicating the water quality landscape in the region. 

These issues collectively underscore the challenges facing the Murray-Darling Basin's waterways, prompting ongoing monitoring and intervention efforts to safeguard these vital ecosystems and water resources.

A table of regionally-specific risk levels is accessible here.