That's according to the Murray-Darling Basin Commission's (MDBC) latest drought update, released today.

Chief executive Wendy Craik said August rainfall was below average and the 275GL inflow during the month, was less than a fifth of the long term average of 1550GL.

"In the two years ending August 08, Murray system inflows were 3540GL – a new record low," Dr Craik said.

"Storage levels are extremely low.

"Active storage in the Murray system is only 1690 GL or 20pc of capacity.

"This is well below the August long term average of 5600GL or 62pc capacity.

"Persistent low rainfall during the past seven years, particularly in the alpine areas, has been the main cause for the record low inflows to the Murray system, with above average temperatures exacerbating the situation."

Dr Craik said a flow of 900ML a day into the Lower Lakes, along with local rainfall has reduced evaporative losses during winter and caused the water level in Lake Alexandrina to gradually rise to its current level of -0.26 m, or 1.0 m below full supply level.

"This has provided some short term relief and has delayed the potential for acidification," she said.

"However, with the arrival of warmer weather in spring, evaporative losses will start to increase, and the water level is expected to start falling again.

"This will be closely monitored while short and longer term management strategies are developed to maintain the lakes above acidification thresholds."

Dr Craik said prospects for the coming season would depend on rainfall and run-off.

But even with above average rainfall in the coming months, inflows would likely remain well below average.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s prediction for spring rainfall is neutral for much of south-eastern Australia.