THE water level in the Murray River at Swan Hill has dropped significantly.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority recorded the level at 0.71 metres on Wednesday – at the first step on the iconic 10-steps water-level gauge at Riverside Park.

It hadn't been that low since 0.72m in early May.

The same time last year saw levels above 2m.

MDBA has been asked to comment on the reason behind the water...