A scheme to recover water from farmers as part of efforts to restore the Murray Darling Basin to health has been abandoned. 

Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt will axe the $1.5 billion Water Efficiency Program, which aims to recover up to 450 gigalitres through voluntary farm projects, such as funding efficient irrigation programs.

Experts are warning the Morrison government’s alternate water-saving policy may not be enough to restore the river to health.