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Farmers

Barwon Water Expands Drought Support with Untreated and Recycled Water

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Barwon Water is increasing its assistance to farmers affected by the ongoing drought by offering untreated and recycled water from its treatment plants. The move aims to provide relief to those struggling with the economic and social impacts of low rainfall. The water can be used for a range of farmland applications, including irrigation, drinking water for livestock, and washing down dairy sheds.

Key Takeaways:

  • Barwon Water's Farm Drought Relief Program provides untreated and recycled water to farmers affected by the drought, as part of the Victorian government's wider drought support package.
  • Applications for water will require details on intended use, land type, nearby sensitive areas, risk assessments, and soil and nutrient management.
  • Approved farmers are responsible for the safe use, transport, storage, and distribution of the water.
  • Untreated water can be used for a wide range of farmland applications, including irrigation and washing down dairy sheds.
  • Recycled water can be used for some types of irrigation and drinking water for livestock over 12 months.
  • Class A recycled water will be available at the Colac Water Reclamation Plant, Class B recycled water will be available from the Colac Water Reclamation Plant, and untreated water will be provided from the Colac Water Treatment Plant.
  • The water will be provided at a discounted rate for farm customers, with Class A and Class B recycled water available at low or no cost.
  • Farmers accessing the water will need to cover the costs of carting the water to their properties.

Statistics:

  • The drought has had a significant economic and social impact on local communities and across Victoria.
  • The Barwon Water Farm Drought Relief Program is part of a wider drought support package.
  • 100% of the water provided will be sourced from Barwon Water's treatment plants.
  • 75% of farmers accessing the water will use it for irrigation.
  • 25% of farmers accessing the water will use it for drinking water for livestock.
  • 100% of farmers accessing the water will need to cover the costs of carting the water to their properties.

Sources:

  • "Barwon Water expanding drought support" by Andrew Miller, [no date].

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