Tag Archives: drought

Big Ditch Dam Building Company Solar panels for farm dams are the best way to stop evaporation

Solar Panels for Farm Dams to Stop Evaporation

Water is very important for farming. Farm dams are crucial for irrigation, cattle, and keeping rural communities alive in Australia and around the world.

But every year, millions of litres of valuable water are lost to evaporation, especially in hot, dry places like much of inland Australia.

Big Ditch Dam Building Company Floating Covers And Windbreaks

How Floating Covers and Windbreaks Stop Evaporation In Your Dam

Evaporation can cause significant water loss from lakes, reservoirs, and farm dams, particularly during hot and windy conditions.

Traditional water management methods are no longer sufficient. This has led to the adoption of innovative solutions like windbreaks and floating covers. These approaches not only reduce evaporation but also improve water quality and promote sustainable water use.

How Much Water Are You Losing To Evaporation

How Much Water Is Your Dam Losing To Evaporation?

Evaporation loss from farm dams in Australia is a great challenge to water security, ranging from 9% to 36% loss of total volume of water in summer. Reliable quantification and prediction of losses are complicated by numerous factors that include meteorology, dam shape, and inaccuracies in measurement. This paper explores the complexities of evaporation estimation, the limitations of current practice, and the potential for improvement through advanced modeling and abatement technologies like floating covers and windbreaks. Understanding these dynamics is essential to effectively manage water in Australia’s agricultural regions.

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Which States of Australia are Most Likely to be Affected by Drought?

Australia grapples with recurrent droughts, impacting states differently due to factors like climate patterns, rainfall, temperature, and agricultural methods. Despite its diverse landscapes and wildlife, the nation faces significant drought challenges, with its arid climate heightening susceptibility. Key contributors include climate patterns, rainfall shortages, rising temperatures, soil quality, water storage, farming practices, population density, and climate change. States like Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory experience varying degrees of vulnerability. Sustainable water management, infrastructure investments, and climate change mitigation are vital for resilience.

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NSW Drought Is Broken by Recent Rainfall

Farmers in New South Wales (NSW) experiencing drought have finally experienced a respite in the form of drought-breaking rainfall, in a much-anticipated turn of events. This week’s storms that pounded the state provided an excess of desperately needed moisture; in certain places, over 100 mm of rain fell. More than 70% of NSW has been experiencing extreme drought conditions, according to the Department of Primary Industries, so this rainfall is a much-needed lifeline for farmers.

Sydneys-Ambitious-Plan-to-Double-Water-Supply-through-Desalination

Sydney’s Ambitious Plan to Double Water Supply through Desalination

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is setting its sights on doubling the water supply from Sydney’s $2 billion desalination plant to counteract the anticipated rise in temperatures. According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Australia is on the verge of experiencing its hottest summer on record in 2024, which is expected to heighten the risk of drought.

5 Extreme Weather Forecasts: Australia’s Weekend Rollercoaster Ride

Australia is in for a turbulent weekend with extreme weather on both coasts. The west battles a scorching heatwave, while the east faces heavy rains and flash flooding threats. Temperatures in Western Australia’s south-west may reach 39°C, but relief is expected next week. Meanwhile, the east anticipates widespread showers and thunderstorms. South Australia also faces thunderstorms, while Brisbane and the Gold Coast brace for heavy rain. Stay informed and safe amidst this weekend’s meteorological challenges

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What Causes a Lack of Rainfall? Understanding the Factors Behind Dry Spells

The factors contributing to a lack of rainfall are multifaceted and interconnected. Rainfall is a vital component of Earth’s natural water cycle and plays a crucial role in supporting life, agriculture, and ecosystems. However, in various parts of the world, there are periods when rainfall becomes scarce, leading to droughts and water shortages. In this article, we look at the complex factors that can cause a lack of rainfall, shedding light on the meteorological, geographical, and environmental aspects of this phenomenon.

Australians-are-Sitting-Ducks-when-it-comes-to-Droughts

Australians are ‘Sitting Ducks’ when it comes to Droughts

Australia’s population growth, combined with the shortage of dams and other water infrastructure, has left the country vulnerable to the devastating impacts of droughts.

Australia, known for its vast landscapes, unique wildlife, and thriving cities, faces a recurring challenge: drought. The continent has a long history of droughts, which can have devastating effects on its environment, economy, and people. While droughts are natural occurrences, Australia’s increasing population and a lack of sufficient dams have left many Australians feeling vulnerable in the face of these dry spells.

Sydney Should Prepare for Future Water Shortages

In September, The SMH raised an alarming issue – Sydney should prepare for future water shortages – as Sydney’s water supply is dwindling rapidly, and the situation is expected to worsen with the increasing impacts of climate change and the city’s booming population.

The main problem lies in Sydney’s heavy reliance on rainwater to fill its dams, which then becomes the primary source of drinking water. However, as rainfall patterns become less predictable and droughts more frequent, this crucial water source is diminishing.

Solving-Low-Rainfall-Strategies-for-Water-Scarcity-Mitigation

Solving Low Rainfall: Strategies for Water Scarcity Mitigation

Low rainfall or drought is a pressing concern in many regions across the world, leading to water scarcity, crop failures, and environmental challenges. Climate change and natural variability have exacerbated this issue, making it essential for communities to implement proactive strategies to address low rainfall and its consequences.

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Surviving with less water

Surviving with less water is a skill that can be valuable in various situations, from dealing with water scarcity in everyday life to emergency scenarios in the wild.

Water is essential for life. It’s not just vital for staying hydrated, but also for cooking, cleaning, agriculture, and countless other daily activities. However, in certain situations, such as during droughts, emergencies, or while exploring remote regions, access to ample water may be limited.

In this article, I explore essential strategies and give you tips on how to survive with less water, ensuring that you can adapt and thrive even when faced with water scarcity.

Unpredictable Drought Ravages NSW: A Farmer’s Tale of Struggle

The unpredictability of the drought wreaking havoc in NSW is a stark reminder of the tenacity and will of the Australian people.

Australia, a country renowned for its stark environmental issues and contrasted beauty, is once again facing the terrible power of nature. Currently, towns and farmers in the state of New South Wales (NSW) are struggling due to an unpredictable drought, which poses a severe threat. We go deep into this dilemma in this blog article, telling the moving story of a farmer struggling against the wrath of nature.

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How Dams Reduce the Impact of Floods and Fires

Dams are essential components of our infrastructure that play a pivotal role in reducing the impact of floods and wildfires.

Natural disasters such as floods and wildfires can wreak havoc on communities, causing significant damage to property and posing serious threats to human lives. Climate change has caused an increase in the frequency and severity of catastrophic disasters in recent years. To mitigate the impact of these catastrophes, various strategies have been employed, and one of the most effective methods is the use of dams. Dams play a crucial role in reducing the impact of floods and fires by managing water resources, providing a source of firefighting water, and offering flood control. In this blog post, we will explore how dams serve as vital tools in mitigating the devastation caused by floods and wildfires.

Big-Ditch-Dam-Building-Company-Drought-already-here-Australia-has-driest-three-months-ever

Drought ‘already here’, Australia has driest three months ever

Australia is currently grappling with unprecedented dry conditions, with the past three months marking the driest quarter in the nation’s recorded history. According to the latest findings from the Bureau of Meteorology, the country is enduring a significant rainfall deficit, with the situation particularly dire in Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia.

Why the Australia’s Water Policy Is Wrong

Australia is a country known for its diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and vast stretches of arid land. Water scarcity has always been a critical issue in the land down under, but in recent years, the Australian government’s water policy has come under scrutiny and criticism from various quarters. This blog post aims to shed light on the reasons why many experts, environmentalists, and concerned citizens believe that the Australian government’s water policy is fundamentally flawed.

Big Ditch Dam Building Company 8 Steps to Calculate How Much Water You Need in Storage to Achieve Water Security in a Drought

8 Steps to Secure Water Storage for Droughts

Water is an essential resource for life, and its scarcity during droughts can pose significant challenges to communities and individuals alike. To ensure water security in times of drought, having an adequate water storage system in place is crucial. But how much water do you actually need in storage to achieve this level of security? In this blog post, we will explore the various factors and calculations required to determine the right amount of water you should store to withstand a drought effectively.

Big Ditch Dam Building Company 8 Steps to Achieving Water Security for Your Family

Secure Your Family’s Water Future In 8 Practical Steps

Water is the most essential resource we need to survive. With increasing global challenges, such as changing weather patterns, growing populations, and depleting resources, water security has become a critical issue for many.

As responsible individuals, ensuring a consistent, clean, and adequate water supply for our families should be a top priority. Here’s a comprehensive guide on eight steps you can take to achieve water security for your family:

Why Farm Dams Are Your Best Defence Against Drought

Droughts are natural phenomena that can have devastating effects on agriculture, particularly for small farms. As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of droughts are increasing, leaving farmers grappling with water scarcity and its impact on their livelihoods.

DAM NEWS 4.0

Dam News Roundup: Water Levels And Updates For 18 January 2020

Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria for over 35 years. Every farm dam built to the right standards — correct clay, proper compaction, adequate spillway — …

DAM NEWS 3.0

Weekly Dam Level Report: What Changed By 15 January 2020

Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company Frequently Asked Questions How much does a farm dam cost in Australia? Costs vary based on dam size, soil type, location and access. Big Ditch provides fixed-price quotes after a site inspection. Contact our team for an accurate estimate for your property. …

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When The Heat Hits: Why Australia’s Dams Are Under Pressure

When The Heat Hits: Why Australias Dams Are Under Pressure Australia’s horrible beginning to the 2020/21 summer season seems like it will worsen, after the nation’s worst start to a summer in living memory. Australia suffered record-breaking wildfires, a debilitating extreme drought, toxic-smoke, polluted water reserves and a record breaking heatwave. Australia was the hottest …

Big Ditch Dam Builder. Do you know how deep your dam should be. Calculating the optimal dam depth. dam with poor DSV ratio

Finding The Sweet Spot: Calculating The Right Depth For Your Dam

Quick Answer: The ideal farm dam depth balances volume, evaporation loss, soil conditions, and construction cost. For most NSW and QLD farm dams, 3–5 metres of working depth is the practical target. Shallower dams lose more to evaporation proportionally; deeper dams cost more and require more careful engineering. Your soil profile and the available height …

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Sydney Dam Contamination: The Metal Sludge Pollution Problem

Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company A metal sludge-like layer is infecting two dams that provide water for showering and drinking in Sydney The Cataract and Cordeaux dams have increased levels of iron, examinations have shown. Tests show that inside this sludge there is also aluminium, manganese, lithium, …

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No Relief In Sight: Dam Storage Levels Keep Dropping

No Relief In Sight: Dam Storage Levels Keep Dropping On 2 December 2019, the rural dam levels in NSW averaged 28.2%. This was a decrease of 0.7% since last week. This indicates most rural farm dams will be empty by June 2020 unless significant rain events materialise About Big Ditch Big Ditch Dam Building Company …

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Garden Watering Becoming A Luxury For Sydney’s Rich

Garden Watering Becoming A Luxury For Sydneys Rich “Water in NSW is too cheap” claimed economist Richard Tooth, talking about Sydney Water’s most recent pricing proposals. “Water costs $2 a tonne. that’s 5 litres for a cent” he said “Topsoil sets you back 10 times that and also you pay for delivery,” claimed Dr Tooth …

Big Ditch Dam Builder empty dam during drought

Government Doesn’t Give A Dam

Government Doesnt Give A Dam ‘Dam-avoidance’ has penetrated practically every level of Australian Government. No big new water storage’s have been built for years. Since 1990, the population of Australia has expanded almost 50 percent – however there has been pathetic 3 percent increase in dam storage. Despite the drought, we know that there always …

H2OHNO 1.0

Rapid Decline: Dam Levels Drying Out At Alarming Speed

Rapid Decline: Dam Levels Drying Out At Alarming Speed The total active storage in rural dams on 18 November 2019 was 29.6%. This was a decrease of 0.7% since last week. These levels will decrease more rapidly over the December, January and February period. If no significant rainfall is received, in a worst case scenario, …

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NSW Farm Dam Water Levels Still Falling With No Reprieve

NSW Farm Dam Water Levels Still Falling With No Reprieve The total active storage percentage of rural water supplies in NSW dams on 11 November 2019 was 30.3%. This was a decrease of 0.4% since last week. About Big Ditch Big Ditch Dam Building Company builds and repairs farm dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. …

Still Bone Dry: When The Rain Just Refuses To Fall

Still Bone Dry: When The Rain Just Refuses To Fall Today is the first day in history where it didn’t rain anywhere in Australia Not a single raindrop has fallen across the whole land mass of Australia. Australia is effected by weather conditions from several different influences, so that makes it a very rare incident …

Federal Government Pushes For New Dam Building Across Australia

Federal Government Pushes For New Dam Building Across Australia States should ‘raise their fingers and do a little bit with us’ says Federal Water Minister David Littleproud New South Wales “has actually done a great deal of heavy lifting however other states have not” he said Littleproud has warned it will take a minimum of …

Another Week, Another Drop: Dam Storages Slip 0.3 Percent

Another Week, Another Drop: Dam Storages Slip 0.3 Percent The total active storage percentage of rural water supplies on 4 November 2019 was 30.7%. This was a decrease of 0.3% since last week. Significant rainfall was recorded near Bourke and surrounding areas over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd Nov 2019. Around 95mm was observed …

Illegal Growers Cut Off: No Dam Water For Marijuana Crops

Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company   Northern NSW marijuana capital gets dry mouth Mullumbimby Council have announced that if there is no rainfall in the Wilsons Creek catchment in the following week, Level 1 water constraints will be implemented in Mullumbimby. This follows a severe decline last …

Free Water In The Outback: One Town’s Generous Response To Crisis

Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria for over 35 years. Every farm dam built to the right standards — correct clay, proper compaction, adequate spillway — …

Kempsey Faces Growing Concerns Over Dam Water Supply

Kempsey Faces Growing Concerns Over Dam Water Supply Kempsey Shire Council water and sewer manager Wesley Trotter said Kempsey’s water supply now entirely reliant on rainfall About Big Ditch Big Ditch Dam Building Company builds and repairs farm dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Contact us for a site inspection. Big Ditch Dam Building Company …

Public Funds, Private Dams: How 30 Landholders Got Government-Backed Water

Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria for over 35 years. Every farm dam built to the right standards — correct clay, proper compaction, adequate spillway — …

An Important Message For Australian Landowners

An Important Message For Australian Landowners A public service announcement for unhappily married acreage-owning men who hope for a better future About Big Ditch Big Ditch Dam Building Company builds and repairs farm dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Contact us for a site inspection. Big Ditch Dam Building Company has built and repaired farm …

NSW Government Fast-Tracks New Dam Approvals As Drought Bites

Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Australia faces recurring drought cycles, with inland NSW, QLD, and SA most severely affected. Farm dams are the most effective on-property drought response — providing water security independent of town supply or rainfall. Size your dam for 2–3 years …

Dam-it, that’s low!

Dam-it, thats low! . Dam levels across NSW hit record lows. It’s developing into a glass half empty situation with no rain in the long range weather forecast through to February 2020 About Big Ditch Big Ditch Dam Building Company builds and repairs farm dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Contact us for a site …

Alan Jones Breaks Down Over Australia’s Devastating Drought

Alan Jones rains tears over drought Alan Jones has broken down on his television program as he described the plight of drought-stricken farmers. About Big Ditch Big Ditch Dam Building Company builds and repairs farm dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Contact us for a site inspection. Big Ditch Dam Building Company has built and …

How To Claim A Refund On Your Farm Dam Construction Costs

Quick Answer: The NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) has historically offered rebates on on-farm emergency water infrastructure through schemes like the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate. Eligible primary producers can claim a percentage of eligible construction costs back. Programs change — always confirm current availability with the RAA or your state DPI. Get 25% of …

‘Farmer Porn’ October 2019 Advertising Poster

Farmer Porn October 2019 Advertising Poster There’s one thing that farmers really like – and when they get it, they like it long, hard & wet About Big Ditch Big Ditch Dam Building Company builds and repairs farm dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Contact us for a site inspection. Big Ditch Dam Building Company …

Dam design at Armidale

Dam design at Armidale A new 20,000,000 litre water security project for the ultra premium super-fine merino fleece producer in Australia and 3 time winner of the premium global Ermenegildo Zegna fine wool award. Zegna is unique in the men’s fashion world for owning 100% of its supply chain. Ermenegildo Zegna spins ultrafine merino wool …

NSW Drought Projects Score $50 Million In Government Funding

NSW Drought Projects Score $50 Million In Government Funding The State Government has reached into it’s pockets and pulled out $50 million for the current drought dilemma The NSW Government has decided to make it rain money to confront the state’s H2O crisis situation. The Minister for Water announced the $50m to target a number …

NSW Drought Snapshot: WaterNSW Report From 17 September 2019

Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Australia faces recurring drought cycles, with inland NSW, QLD, and SA most severely affected. Farm dams are the most effective on-property drought response — providing water security independent of town supply or rainfall. Size your dam for 2–3 years …