A further 20 billion litres of environmental water will flow down the Lower Lakes, following a decision by the independent Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.

The Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said the 20 billion litres was a welcome addition to the 148 billion litres of Darling River floodwaters announced yesterday.

Senator Wong said the Commonwealth expected the additional water to start flowing into the Lower Lakes from March, providing welcome relief to the ailing Lower Lakes.

“All-up, these two decisions will provide almost 170 billion litres of much-needed water to the Lower Lakes,’’ Senator Wong said.

Previously the South Australian Government had committed 170 billion litres to return this year to the Lower Lakes Ramsar wetland complex near the mouth of the Murray River. The additional flows of 168 billion litres represents a near doubling in extra water for the Lower Lakes.

“These decisions will deliver nearly 340 billion litres of water to reduce the risk of acidification and improve habitat for waterbirds and other species,’’ Senator Wong said.

“These flows will also benefit the River Murray by improving water quality and reducing the threat of further riverbank slumping.’’

Senator Wong said, over the last four years, the average amount of water flowing into the River Murray equated to less than one-quarter of the long-term annual average.

“This record breaking drought, which continues across the southern Basin, has meant that we haven’t had enough water in the system to do everything that we want,’’ Senator Wong said.

“That’s why these new announcements to provide a total of 170 billion litres in additional flows to the Lower Lakes are so important.’’

In addition to securing additional flows to the Lower Lakes, the CEWH has also decided to deliver a further 26.2 GL to five sites: 8.2 GL to Chowilla Floodplain and Katarapko wetlands in South Australia, and 18 GL to Lake Wallawalla and Hattah Lakes in Victoria.