SDG Detail

Effluent reuse system

Case study

Project description

For 100 years the Henry family have operated a dairy farm near Hodgsonvale a town located in the scenic Queensland Darling Downs. Matt Henry continues the family tradition maintaining a 150 head dairy herd. As part of the dairy shed maintenance, Matt hoses the yards and equipment, however this requires 6,000 litres of fresh water every day. This is a significant amount of water, particularly in the dry season. To cut down on his daily use of fresh water Matt decided to install an effluent pump in the pond to capture waste and create a source of recycled water. As a supplier to Lion Dairy supplier, Matt applied for and was successful in obtaining a 2019 Lion Dairy Pride Landcare Grant that provided partial funding for the investment required.

Year 2019

Location Australia

Organization Landcare Australia

Project aims

Before work could begin, Matt engaged contractors to survey the land in order to work out what pump would be able to efficiently move the effluent from the nearby pond to the dairy. This was achieved by measuring the distance between the pond and the dairy as well as the rate of fall. Once installed the effluent pump would be able to recycle water that was safe to hose down the yard and dairy platform. Matt said he expected once operational the effluent pump would cut his daily water use to 3,500 litres or 60 percent. Matt explained this significant cut in water would benefit the operation by making it more sustainable and making better use of water which is a vital resource particularly in dry seasons.