With the River Murray flood peak now approaching Lock 1 near Blanchetown, communities downriver are being urged to continue to prepare for increasing water levels.

Over the coming week, the peak is expected to pass through Murray Bridge and into the Lower Lakes.

People in flood risk areas are reminded to take action as river levels rise ahead of the expected peak and continue to check the SA SES website for updates.

The peak has now reached Morgan and is expected at Mannum from 6-9 January, Murray Bridge between 7-10 January and the Lower Lakes between 9-13 January.

Flows into Lake Alexandrina have resulted in higher water levels around shacks at Milang. 

Water levels in the lake are also influenced by wind, tide and wave activity which may have resulted in higher levels in some locations.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs says the state government is supporting river communities with practical, financial and other support and will continue to do so throughout the recovery process. 

“”As the peak moves down the river system toward Murray Bridge and the Lower Lakes, it is important these communities continue to prepare and keep up to date with the SES advice.”

With the peak approaching the lower end of the system, the Department of Environment and Water (DEW) will provide daily water level tables taken from five locations around the lakes rather than the current one from Lake Alexandrina.

The table will now include Milang, Clayton Bay, Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island Marina and Meningie to provide more detailed information for the Lower Lakes community.

Meanwhile, upstream at the border, water levels are continuing to drop significantly offering some hope they will recede below 60 gigalitres a day by early February.

Under the current restrictions, all recreational boating and aquatic activities on the River Murray between the SA border and Wellington are banned, including the use of any vessel, swimming and fishing is now prohibited.

SA Health has confirmed there is currently no evidence of increased microbial contamination, including E.coli in floodwaters entering Goolwa and nearby beaches.

This week, the federal and state governments announced $126.25 million in further disaster assistance for communities hit by the devastating flooding.

An Emergency Relief Centre has now been opened at the Ramblers Football Club in Murray Bridge where, along with those already operating at Berri and Mannum, the public can access information and apply for support, including financial relief and emergency accommodation.

People can call the Relief Information line on 1800 302 787 seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.

To view water levels at different locations along the river visit www.sa.gov.au

People wanting more information on the River Murray flood event can call River Murray hotline on 1800 362 361 anytime.