Can existing practices expected to lead to improved on-farm water use efficiency enable irrigators to effectively respond to reduced water entitlements in the Murray–Darling Basin?

•Calculations include only irrigators interested in water use efficient changes.•Up to 100.9GL/yr could be saved across the Namoi catchment.•Only 10GL/yr water savings is required under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.•Those adopting these practices are likely to have additional water for more irrigation and income.•If there’s private benefit, to what extent should the government support adoption?