South Australian irrigators in the Murray-Darling Basin will benefit from funding for 21 projects to upgrade irrigation infrastructure.

Water Minister Tony Burke, today announced the six successful second round funding recipients of the Private Irrigation Infrastructure Program for South Australia (PIIP-SA), including one delivery partner.

"I am determined to deliver water reform for the Murray-Darling Basin that restores our rivers to health, supports strong regional communities and ensures sustainable food production," Mr Burke said.

"This program will help us achieve that and assist farmers to build on their good work and become more efficient with their water use.

"Off-farm infrastructure upgrade projects, some of which also include on-farm works, will be rolled out right across the Riverland.

"The use of such infrastructure can create water savings by recovering water lost to seepage and helping farmers to irrigate in a way best suited to their crops' needs.

"The upgrades are expected to save more than 3000 megalitres of water entitlements to be shared between the project proponents and the Australian Government.

"Water savings returned to the Australian Government will aid the recovery of the river system and wetlands and will count towards the Government's commitment to 'bridge the gap'."

The project works will include upgrading pumps, mainline pipes, meters and filtration systems, converting or upgrading drip and sprinkler systems, and installing soil moisture monitoring and automation equipment.

The Private Irrigation Infrastructure Program for South Australia program is a component of the Australian Government's Water for the Future initiative.

Successful applicants under second round of PIIP-SA

Further information is available at:www.environment.gov.au/water/policy-programs/srwui/piip-sa.