SOUTH Australian Senator Nick Xenaphon wants a comprehensive assessment of the Murray-Darling that provides a bank of accurate information on water in the system and how it can effectively be used to fix the Lower Lakes and Coorong.

"This is a chance for us to get a forensic look at where water is in the system and what it can be best used for because we can't make good decisions unless we have good information," he said.

A Senate inquiry will release its findings on all water storages in the MDB by the end of this month.

* Extract from a full report in Stock Journal, September 4 issue.