As indicated in the previous sections data are collected on rice crop water use in the Areas and Districts. Water use data for other activities/crops are also available to varying degrees.
These data are shown in the Tables 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c).
The data show that rice is the main user of irrigation water, consuming 50-55% in the Murray Valley districts, 65-75% in Coleambally and 45-55% in the MIA's and Districts.
Such proportions of water use have occurred for at least the last decade, despite many pressures, which might have, at least in theory, caused a decline in water use on rice. However the reality is that despite its high water use, rice has provided a consistent and satisfactory financial return to most farmers. Viable alternatives have not been discovered, or at least crops that could be grown profitably by all irrigators have not been available.
Again empirical data for river licensed diverters are not available, although estimates can be made by applying Area and District unit water use to the known areas of rice grown by licensed diverters.
Table 5 provides an estimate for water use on rice crops grown by licensed diverters on the Murrumbidgee River.
It is interesting to note how quickly a large proportion of water used by these licensed diverters has been applied to rice crops. In essence it appears that in the space of only 8 years the proportion of water used on rice has become similar to that measured in the traditional rice-growing areas. Again this is a direct reflection of the financial success achieved with growing rice, particularly when compared to other farming activities.
