The Australian cotton industry has used values of Gross Production Water Use Index (GPWUIfarm) to benchmark water use efficiency since 1988/89. GPWUIfarm for 2006- 07 and 2008-09 were 1.17 and 1.14 bales/ML, and both seasons had reduced plantings, low water availability and cotton prices. In contrast, for 2012-13, which saw record planting and full production, the GPWUIfarm was 1.12 bales/ML. There was no significant difference in GPWUIfarm between the three seasons indicating the cotton industry is performing as water efficient in years of full production. Variation in GPWUIfarm between farms indicates the scope for further efficiency gains