Water Recovery on the Farm

In December 2006, 60% of farmers surveyed said that they were already affected by climate change, and 70% expect to be affected in the next 10 years. Climate change is bringing:

  • Warmer, wetter winters
  • Hotter, drier summers
  • More extreme weather conditions – storms and droughts
It is important for farmers to start thinking about how farm businesses are likely to be affected, and start planning now to reduce cost and concern in the future.

Farmers can take advantage of the opportunities offered by climate change by being ahead of the game and by taking early action to adapt their businesses so that they can benefit from the changes ahead.

100% first year Enhanced Capital Allowances can be used for the installation of Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Recycling Systems.

Both DEFRA and the Milk Development Council are advocating the use of Rainwater Harvesting Systems to utilise the roofs of barns and sheds to collect rainwater which can be used where mains supplied water is not necessary, eg, for hosing down equipment.

The Environment Agency has found that a typical dairy farm could meet 20% of its water use with rainwater harvesting alone. UV filtering this water will make it suitable for all farm use.

Information from PROMAR shows:
  • Mains water supply costs on the average dairy farm to be between £31–£100 per cow per year.
  • Livestock drinking accounts for between 50-75% of total water use.
  • Plate cooler water accounts for up to 25% of total water use. The ratio of water to milk in order to cool it is 2:1!
  • Water used in washing down the collecting yard and parlour accounts for between 5-17% of total water use.
  • Parlour Plant Washing and Bulk Tank Washing accounts for between 4-10% of total water use.
  • General water use for calf pen cleaning, tractor and machinery washing, bio-security and general cleaning accounts for up to 2% of total water use.

Water Company charges are set to run, on average 4.2% above inflation between 2005–2010 (OFWAT).

Rising water costs are likely to increase pressure as to the economic viability of dairy farms.

Disposal of water often costs as much as the supply. Investigation has calculated that mains water typically costs £1/m3 but disposal costs can be up to £1.50/m3.

The reuse of water, wherever possible, is also an important cost consideration.



“The climate is changing and reacting to those changes is crucial for the future of farming.”
From the Milk Development Council “Tomorrow’s Climate – Today’s Challenge.”




Receau Ltd
Unit 25 BIC Enterprise Park, Chatterley Whitfield, Stoke on Trent, ST8 6UW
Email: enquiries@receau.co.uk
Tel: 01782 821922 or 0796 967 3074
Web: www.rainwater-harvesting-recycling.com

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