| |
CRC PUBLICATIONS |
Water Farms: A Review of the Physical Aspects of Water Harvesting
Laura Richardson,
Peter Hairsine,
Timothy Ellis
Publication Type:
Technical Report
This is a publication of the current CRC for Catchment Hydrology
CRC Program:
Landuse Impacts on Rivers
|
Publication Keywords:
Water Harvesting
Runoff
Reviews
Catchment Areas
Rain
Markets
Surface Treatment
Water Quality
Artificial
Water Supplies
|
Abstract / Summary:
Water Farms: A Review of the Physical Aspects of Water Harvesting and Runoff Enhancement in Rural Landscapes
It is common to accept that the amount of water our streams receive cannot be changed. Though it is subject to the variation of climate and climate change, there is little discussion of what can be done to manage the input of quantity to our streams. In contrast, there is an extraordinary amount of discussion, regulation and action concerning the storage and distribution of streamflow.
Water farming is an approach to the problem of managing the quantity of water input to our streams, and is an idea that has been around for thousands of years. In this concept, land managers are able to generate more runoff for a given amount of rain than would happen in normal circumstances. Historically, most examples focused on providing extra water from a farm for use on the same farm. However, there are considerable prospects for
water farms
enterprises that use water harvesting techniques to provide additional water into the river system and new water markets. It is these prospects that have prompted this review.
Overall, this report finds that i) water farms are technically feasible, ii) analysis of their cost effectiveness in providing additional water for specific uses is required, iii) there are likely to be regulatory barriers to the adoption of water farming for enhancing off-farm water security and iv) further investigation in the use of water farms to enhance the availability of water is warranted by Australian water managers.
Peter Wallbrink
Program Leader
Land-use Impacts on Rivers
CRC for Catchment Hydrology
This report is available for downloading below. Printed copies can be purchased from the Centre office for $27.50 per copy (inclusive of GST and postage).
 |
1 Download(s) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Centre Office:
CRC for Catchment Hydrology
Dept of Civil Engineering
Building 60
Monash University Vic 3800
Tel: +61 3 9905 2704
Fax: +61 3 9905 5033
|
|
|
