Category: Water

The world’s fresh water supplies are almost fully exploited.Almost al, 97 per cent, of the world’s water is salt. Of the fresh water in the world, two thirds is locked up as ice and snow (the cryosphere – to you and me, kid!). Globally, three quarters of the water that is used is used by agriculture. India, China and the United States, use more fresh water than is available. The water level in those nation’s aquifers is falling as a result.The current food crisis has come about largely as a result as the shortfall in available water begins to impact on the cost of irrigation. 

Snowy River revival ‘ a complete failure ”

admin /27 June, 2009

By Samantha Donovan

Snowy River

The Snowy’s annual natural flow sits at 4 per cent below the Jindabyne Dam – 11 per cent below the target. (AAP: Jennifer Chapman)

Campaigners fighting to restore the health of the once mighty Snowy River say the legislation that promised to restore the river’s flow is a sham.

Seven years ago the Snowy River Alliance celebrated the corporatisation of the Snowy Hydro Authority.

The legislation included provisions apparently committing the Commonwealth, New South Wales and Victorian governments to restoring the Snowy’s environmental flows.

But jubilation has given way to despair.

Trend towards El Niño strengthens

admin /21 June, 2009

From The Land The signs of a developing El Niño have strengthened during the past fortnight, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. It says the key indicators for this forecast are a drop in the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) to around -10, further warming of the Pacific and a strong decrease in the strength of Continue Reading →

Murray beyond saving says Young

admin /21 June, 2009

From the ABC A water scientist has told a parliamentary committee in South Australia that parts of the Murray-Darling should be allowed to die to save other parts of the river system. Professor Mike Young says the best way forward would be to have water flows for the environment controlled by a trust rather than Continue Reading →

Feds invest in water efficiency

admin /21 June, 2009

The announcement on June 19th of the Federal Government’s $650 million investment in water infrastructure in NSW is an important kick-along for the state’s farmers, irrigators, regional communities and the environment, according to the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).

 “The NFF has insisted the Federal Government improve the balance between water buy-backs and infrastructure upgrades under its water plan,” NFF President David Crombie said. “The preeminent focus on water buy-backs had seen farmers support for water reform in Australia seriously undermined.

Atmospheric water generator

admin /11 June, 2009

Atmospheric water generator

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An Atmospheric water generator (AWG), is a device that extracts water from humid ambient air. An AWG operates in a manner very similar to that of a refrigerated dehumidifier: air is passed over a cooled coil, causing water to condense. The rate of water production depends on the humidity, the volume of air passing over the coil, and the machine’s capacity to cool the coil.

The device is very useful for locations where pure drinking water is difficult to obtain or impossible to have, as there is always water in the air.   NB  (Can be powered by solar or wind power)

Rain ensures critical water supply to Murray River

admin /11 June, 2009

Rain ensures critical water supply to Murray river

Asa Wahlquist, Rural writer | June 11, 2009

Article from:  The Australian

THERE is now enough water in the Murray River system to guarantee the critical human needs of those who rely on the river over the next 12 months thanks to recent rainfalls.

Chief executive of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Rob Freeman, confirmed the improved position yesterday.

“We have got (enough water for) critical human needs for South Australia, NSW and Victoria. They are now secure including the conveyance water to transmit it to all those places for the coming year.”

In April, Mr Freeman announced there was not enough water in the system to cover the 1350 gigalitres (or billion litres) necessary for critical human needs. Critical human needs include the water necessary for people and the institutions they rely on. That figure comprises the 350GL that is actually needed, plus 1000GL to convey the needed water. The conveyance water is lost to seepage and evaporation on the way.

But Mr Freeman said the water was now secure, even though inflows into the Murray were low in May. He said inflows for the water year, which began last July, were the third-lowest on record in 118 years. Inflows last year, 2007-08, were the seventh-lowest, and 2006-07 had the lowest on record.

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