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EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION
Self-clean system ensures clear water No excuses for non-compliance At this time of year, many people notice their drinking water smells differently, especially water from the hot tap.
“These odours are caused because bacteria have built up on the base of the tank where they break down material that has flowed into the tank,” says TankVac business owner Warren Agnew. “In doing so they use oxygen from the water and provide nutrients for E.coli.” Unfortunately, in most water systems the pump collects water from near to the base, causing it to suck into the house the poorest water quality in the tank, says Warren. Included in this water can be leaf material, which the pump grinds into very fine particles, blowing it into the filter. “A new filter can turn black within a day
and cease function within a few weeks,” says Warren. TankVac – a self-cleaning system for your water tank – can help prevent these issues. “We have developed this system at Waikato University’s engineering department where overflow water is taken off the base – and this sucks out bacteria and plant sediment, leaving water more oxygenated and minus E.coli, which die off overnight without a nutrient source from the bacteria,” says Warren. “Comprehensive testing by microbiologists at AUT University established the effectiveness of the base overflow system. “For this, we thank Professor Michael Walmsley of Waikato University and Dr David Bryant at AUT University.” View a demonstration of the TankVac system on YouTube.
Waikato dairy farmers found to be significantly non-compliant aren’t doing their bit for the environment and are letting all farmers down, according to DairyNZ. DairyNZ environment and catchment manager Aslan Wright-Stow says the majority of dairy farmers put in a lot of effort and take great pride in ensuring their farms are up to standard and fully compliant, and those who are not complying with effluent management rules must wear the consequences. Aslan’s comments come as Waikato Regional Council staff say monitoring of high risk farms has revealed the dire state of dairy effluent infrastructure, with some farms having just one-thousandth of the storage needed. “We support the monitoring of high risk farms by WRC and the increased focus on those who need to lift their game,” says Aslan.
TankVac works by taking a tank’s overflow water from the tank base - where plant sediment and bacteria settles.
Manage effluent well
“These farmers are bringing down the good work of the 4000 other Waikato dairy farmers who are doing their bit to look after waterways, manage effluent well and are investing in the latest technologies. “Each farm has the potential to have an impact – we want all our dairy farms doing their part to manage effluent well and look after the environment.” Aslan says the sector has a clear vision to improve water quality and it requires everyone and every farmer to do their bit. “The sector has invested in a programme which ensures effluent system professionals are accredited and can provide the best advice to farmers, including tools to ensure the amount of effluent storage is adequate,” says Aslan.
WOF programme
0800 843 809 0800 843 809
0800 843 809 0800 843 809
“DairyNZ also has a Warrant of Fitness programme for farmers to identify areas of their effluent system which need improving, as well as help which is available through our team to support farmers meet their requirements. “There has been a lot of improvements across the country, both in terms of knowledge and practice. “The number of farmers who continue to be non-compliant are few and do not represent the majority.” Dairy farmers looking for effluent system information are advised to visit: www.dairynz.co.nz/effluent or ph: 0800 4 324 7969.
0800 843 809
0800 843 809
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