Provide sufficient and logical stop valve arrangements so a failure can be isolated
Ensure pipe sizes are correctly designed
Look into all alternative sources of supply and if necessary check on quality and quantity
Regularly check water meter readings
Know what you are losing
Check pipes, taps, hoses, troughs etc visually for signs of leakage
Regularly check water usage by comparing bills. Increased usage may indicate a leak in the system
An electronic leak monitor can be used to check for hidden leaks
Regularly carry our routine maintenance on the system, clean and overhaul all valves and renew washers
Adjust ball valves to lower the float so that there is less risk of spillage and overflowing
Isolate and drain troughs and pipes that are not in use over the winter to prevent frost damage that would cause a leak
Separate clean and dirty water
Dirty water can be a common source of pollution and should be disposed of safely on land. Keeping dirty and clean water separate on farm reduces the volume of dirty water and provides an alternative source of clean water to possibly replace more expensive sources.
Roof livestock holding areas to reduce the volume of dirty water produced
Keep guttering and spouting maintained.
Try to reduce the uncovered area that stock use
Alternative water supplies
Abstract water at times of high water levels and store for times of shortage
Recycling rainwater (check hygiene regulations for the end use)
Consider the use of springs, boreholes and watercourses (but also consider the legal requirements)
Take advice before changing water supply as there may be implications
Contamination of water supplies and pollution risk
Keep grazing stock away from areas adjacent to wells or springs and erect fences where necessary
Prevent seepage from slurry compounds, silage clamps, or cattle yards into underground drainage systems or groundwater
Repair and maintain spring collection chambers, brick or concrete reservoirs and wells to prevent dirty water entering through cracked brickwork or broken covers contaminating the system
Be aware of all water sources on the farm. Mark them on a map to show potential contamination points
oid spreading dirty water or manure close to water sources
Use a covered container area with a sealed base for mixing pesticides and filling sprayers
Dispose of any unwanted chemicals in the approved manner
Tips for Dairy
Consider alternative sources for livestock drinking water. Livestock drinking accounts for 50-75% of a dairy farm’s water use (Dairy Co). Stock need to be given adequate access to clean water so there is no opportunities to reduce water use; however it is possible to look at alternative sources
Reuse plate cooler water – this accounts for 25% of water use, and can effectively be reused to produce no impact on performance
Collect yard and parlour wash down water for reuse
If the typical dairy farm reused all the dairy and bulk washings, which is 334m³.year, at the cost of £1.11/m³m this saves £371/year. But the re-use also saves on disposal costs, and at a disposal cost of £1/m³, double savings could be made, which would total £668/year (Dairy Co figures, 2009)
Scrape parlours and yards prior to washing them down, to minimise the volume of water used
If considering purchasing a new bulk tank, consider the wash volumes
Reuse water plant water for washing down the collecting yard
For more information on the Effective Use of Water on Dairy Farms please continue to read the Dairy Co booklet
More tips for Growers
Horticultural crops demand and require a significant amount of water due to their perishable nature. Stress not only affects the current season’s crop but have the potential to affect future crops as well.
Consider the use of trickle irrigation systems
Increase the use of on site reservoirs
Consider the use of rainwater harvesting systems
Monitor the irrigation system and determine what and where the water is wetting the soil
Weeds compete for water and nutrients with the plants, so ensure that you have adequate weed control measures in place.
Consider the use of fertigation – combining irrigation and fertiliser applications offering opportunities to precisely manipulate nutrient supply during growth whilst increasing the efficiency of water and nutrient application
Manage water usage in terms of needs of the crop and local weather conditions
