Billions of dollars of taxpayers' money is at risk as state and federal governments fall behind on implementing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
A draft report by the Productivity Commission released on Thursday has warned of major shortcomings in the way the plan is run pose a significant risk to putting it in place.
"Without immediate action, there is a significant risk of less water for irrigation, the cost to taxpayers blowing out and, in the future, communities wondering whether it was all worthwhile." Productivity Commissioner Jane Doolan said.
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has conflicted roles which should be split into two authorities - one to ensure compliance, and a separate body to support governments to implement the plan, the report found.
South Australian independent senator Tim Storer said the report provided the authority could not be both gamekeeper and poacher.
Almost $5 billion of the $13 billion plan is still to be spent by 2024, with the goal of balancing agricultural and environmental water.
The commission found significant progress had been made, with about 20 per cent of water used for agriculture now dedicated to the environment.
The report cited evidence of environmental improvement, but warned of hard work ahead in key areas to keep the plan on track.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the report highlighted the Murray-Darling Basin Plan needed proper compliance to ensure its integrity.
Mr Littleproud said this vindicated his appointment of former federal cop Mick Keelty as Northern Basin Commissioner.
"I'll continue on my path of implementing the basin plan on time and in full, as agreed by both sides of politics," he said.
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