MDBC chief executive, Dr Wendy Craik, says scientific and technical advice is already showing that short-term emergency pumping from Lake Alexandrina to Lake Albert is effectively managing acidification risks.

The program of emergency pumping was directed by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council earlier this year.

It began on May 2 and will continue at least until September this year.

"Clearly the duration of such emergency measures will be depend on rainfall and inflow conditions, but the measures are giving us time to asses longer term management options in the light of climate change and water availability assessments," Dr Craik said.

"It also gives us time to assess impact of inflows in the coming winter/spring period.

"Our latest scientific and technical advice is that, if needed, this pumping can be extended until Christmas, and even possibly until the spring next year."

Dr Craik also confirmed that detailed evaluation and assessment of longer term management options was underway.

"All Basin Governments are aware that there is a very serious situation in the Lower Lakes that is a product of years of river regulation and the extreme drought conditions over the decade and they have endorsed the rigorous process already under way to thoroughly assess long term options," Dr Craik said.