Evaluate water use on your farm
This will help you determine where the most water is used on your farm, and help identify leaks and losses (evaporation or seepage).
Preventing water loss (i.e. by fixing leaks, etc.) is the easiest, most cost effective and least work intensive way to save water. Once you know where your water is used and where it is lost, you can begin to develop a strategy to save it.
Irrigation supply and drainage layout can have a large impact on water use efficiency. To evaluate your system, ask yourself:
Preventing water loss (i.e. by fixing leaks, etc.) is the easiest, most cost effective and least work intensive way to save water. Once you know where your water is used and where it is lost, you can begin to develop a strategy to save it.
Irrigation supply and drainage layout can have a large impact on water use efficiency. To evaluate your system, ask yourself:
- Are irrigation bays/furrows lengths and bay widths appropriate for the crop type?
- Are channel openings and water supply appropriate?
- Are watering times too long?
- Does the existing layout meet access and agronomic needs?
- Given current water reform policies and frequent drought conditions, what changes might be needed to put the farm in a position to maintain a strong and sustainable future?
- WaterPAK - self assessment checklistThe Australian Cotton Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has developed WATERpak, which provides a self-assessment checklist for irrigation efficiency.