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Menindee Lakes water levels drop to lowest in five years as experts warn of mass fish deaths

By: Lisa Cox Environment and climate correspondent

28 October 2026 at 17:00

NSW government imposes water restrictions after Menindee water volumes fall below 2021 levels

Water levels at the Menindee Lakes in western New South Wales have fallen to their lowest point in five years, prompting the state government to impose upstream water use restrictions as experts warn of potential mass fish deaths over summer.

Combined volume at the Menindee Lakes fell below 480 gigalitres earlier this month, the first time since 2021.