Online tools, case studies and booklets created by industry experts at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are now freely available to help landowners weigh up the benefits and risks of different water supply options.

DPI Farm Water Solutions Project Leader Benita Kelsall said securing and distributing water for a property could be a complex task.

“Water is needed for stock and human drinking water, in the household, fire fighting purposes, garden watering, weed spraying or for washing machinery,” Ms Kelsall said.

“Other factors that need to be considered include licensing requirements, water resources and water quality available on the property, environmental considerations, determining farm water requirements, as well as distribution, water storage and pumping options.”

Ms Kelsall said a case study which followed the thought process of a South Gippsland landowner as he worked his way toward the best water supply option for his property could help other landowners.

“Kevin built a home on 5.6 hectares and considered four options to capture and store water on his property, including rainfall collected off roofs and into tanks, catchment runoff collected into a dam, pumping from a creek to a header tank and accessing groundwater,” she said.

“There are unique considerations required for each option, which the booklet steps through.

“Kevin considered many options before deciding on the best for his property including cost, time, labour, practical experience, personal history and his individual preferences.

“The legislative requirements are highlighted and water reticulation options are also discussed briefly in the case study.

“It also provides useful future information and contacts for anyone considering water capture and storage on their property, including links to information notes, groundwater resources and licensing organisations.”