NSW Shooters MP for Murray Helen Dalton has this week asked state Parliament to accept a petition calling "for a federal royal commission into the Murray Darling Basin Plan and the Murray Darling Basin Authority, and the establishment of a Public National Water Register".

"I think a royal commission would go a long way towards clearing up the confusion and mistrust that is dominating public debate in this area," Dr McGirr said.

"It would also provide an opportunity to canvas alternative options, if the current plan was found to either not work or could not be made to work."

Parliament's lower house is due to debate Ms Dalton's petition on Thursday.

Ms Dalton said the petition had gathered a large number of signatures.

"The petition has received widespread support from the public and it couldn't be more timely.

"We got 11,000 signatures in just five months. It shows everyone is fed up with the secrecy surrounding water, which is what leads to corruption and mismanagement."

Ms Dalton said Australia needed a national water register as "we need to know who owns our water".

"At present, politicians, foreign companies, Sydney traders - they can all own water, manipulate the price, make a profit and hide their identity.

"We can all see who owns land. Why is water ownership a secret?"

Ms Dalton said Labor have said they will support the petition motion.

"I think minor parties and independents will support it too.

The big question is the Nationals and Liberals. They ought to support it. I mean, what are they hiding?

"The question for them is - do they support our farmers or support the secret water barons? It'll be interesting to see."

Ms Dalton said she would introduce a private members bill for a state water register if her petition motion was not carried by Parliament and the Shooters party would seek support for the petition in the upper house.