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Farm talk taps into water quality at source
Westernport Water explained the impact farming has on water quality at a recent farm field day.
Water quality officer Dean Chambers addressed almost 40 farmers, Landcare and Melbourne Water representatives at the field day held on Tuesday (Dec 2) at Drouin South.“Fencing of and planting-out riverside areas can help clean water of nutrient-rich run-off,” he said.
“Ground covers can be particularly useful because they also stabilise riverbanks.
“Successful management of run-off means less need for us to modify water quality with chemicals,” he said.
“It means better-quality water and less cost – both are benefits for our customers.”
He explained the difference between open and closed catchments. “Closed catchments are fenced over a wide area and the only animals that enter are native or small pest species like rabbits and foxes. Melbourne Water’s catchments are closed.
“Open catchments, like Candowie Reservoir, are more common, especially in rural areas because farmers own the surrounding land.
“However, we would never presume to tell them how to run their farms. We’re not here to lay down rules. But we’d like to be kept in the loop, especially if they are planning major changes in land use or fertiliser applications.”
The field day was organised by GipRip and funded by Dairy Australia and Melbourne Water. GipRip is a project devised by the Gippsland dairy industry and now extends across other agricultural sectors. It aims to improve riparian zones – riverside areas – and boost water quality in local rivers and streams. Westernport Water is a regular attendee of the GipRip sessions.
“I’m learning as much information from the farmers as I’m sharing,” said Dean. “
A previous session taught me the importance of vegetation overhang to control water temperature which, in turn, helps control algal growth in the water. Like all good things, it’s a simple lesson learned well.”
Westernport Water’s commitment to catchment health includes sponsorship of local Landcare groups and tree-plantings at the corporation’s wastewater treatment plants at Cowes and Kings Rd.
The corporation also funded a biodiversity study of its landholdings. Managing Director Murray Jackson said: “We participate in many ways. We funded the Bass River fauna and flora surveys and our staff help with the urban Landcare initiatives such as the Waterwise garden competitions, the new Sustaining Coastal Communities project and volunteer tree-planting programs.
“Preserving, protecting and repairing the landforms of our area is fundamental to the way we do business,” he said.