The State Government announced on Friday nearly $400,000 in fees would be waived for South Australian irrigators, which are incurred when water is traded.

South Australian Murray Irrigators president Ian Zadow said removing the fee would relieve a little pressure off farmers.

Across the State there are 3800 irrigators that could apply for a 'top up'.

"While not all (irrigators) will do so, many are likely to apply more than once during 2007 to 2008, given that the volume of water available within South Australia and interstate is severely limited," Water Security Minister Karlene Maywald said.

Already, this water year, which began on July 1, the amount of transfer applications has increased four-fold compared with the same period before the drought.

Mrs Maywald said this increase means it will take longer for the Department of Water Land and Biodiversity (DWLBC) to process the applications.

"Irrigators are reminded the transfer process through the DWLBC only begins once an application has been lodged with the department, not when a trade is lodged with a broker," she said.

Those who have already paid a transfer fee this water year will have their money refunded.

About $310,000 in relief was provided to irrigators, when transfer fees were first waived last water year.

SOURCE: Murray Valley Standard, Murray Bridge, SA, a Rural Press publication.