Invest in a rainwater harvesting system. This will reduce use from mains supply by 50% as it can be used for watering your garden and plants, washing your car and other household activities.
We are so lucky to have co-operative farmers in and around the Stranooden catchment area.
Our Recent pilot project which involved the erection of 14 KM of stock proof fencing has allowed us to separate the livestock from our tributaries which helps protect our water from banl erosion, soil and fecal mater . What happened in the past was, cows, bulls, bullocks and sheep, stepped down to the rivers to get their drink of water. In Doing so, each time an animal came down the riverbank, a little more damage was done, and another piece of soil (and fecal matter) was introduced into the water that supplies the lakes that feed our system.
By fencing off the rivers and re-establishing the banks, and keeping the animals OUT of the water, by feeding them with drinkers, we have succeeded in keeping dirt and dung OUT of our drinking water.
Other Water Conservation Steps on the Farm
Some good tips for on farm water use are to
- Protect water quality by limiting access of livestock to rivers, streams and lakes.
- Make regular checks for leaks and carry out necessary repairs. This includes visual checks for dripping taps, leaky pipes, hoses and nozzles, and for unusually wet areas around the pipe network.
- Collect rainwater for cleaning purposes.
- Collect and store organic material, farm chemicals, oils, industrial waste and residues properly, and dispose of using Local Authority dedicated facilities.
- Only spread slurry when weather conditions are suitable.
- Ensure water troughs for cattle do not overflow and carry out regular maintenance.
- On pig and poultry farms check that animals do not cause spillage. Consider changing to better designs to reduce water losses. Wet poultry litter increases the ammonia emitted, and can cause welfare problems for the birds.
