In 2001, following a severe drought, the quota was reduced by 23% (to 563 million m3) compared with the 2000 level. The quota has changed little since then, but it is expected to decrease to 487 and 350 million m3 by 2015 and 2050, respectively (from the current 500 million m3). Quota reductions since 1999 have been compensated by income support payments. During the last decade, water use declined from 7 megalitres (ML)17 per hectare per year to about 5 ML/ha/year.