What is a drainage reuse system?
Drainage reuse systems are designed and constructed to collect excess irrigation and irrigation induced rainfall run-off water and nutrients from an individual property. The water is usually stored in an earthen ‘sump’ (like a dam or pond) which is often located at the lowest part of the property.
Excess water from rain falling on the irrigated area or ‘tail water’ from over- irrigation flows to the ‘reuse dam’ via drains. This water can then be pumped from the reuse dam back into the irrigation system on the property and reused.
This reduces the amount of water and nutrients leaving the property and adversely affecting natural waterways.
When should I plan a drainage reuse system?
The best time to plan for a reuse system design is during development of the WFP for the property.
Re-use dams are restricted to a maximum size of 1 ML of storage per 10 ha of irrigated land that drains to the re-use dam.
Once you have a drainage reuse system, the best management practice is to aim at keeping the reuse system empty or as low as possible at the end of each irrigation. This will maximise the opportunities for the collection of rainfall runoff and reduce loss of water and nutrients off the property.
For further information refer to Agnote:
For further information contact:
Agriculture Victoria Irrigation Officers
Tatura – (03) 5833 5222
Echuca – (03) 5482 1922
Kerang – (03) 5473 0180