The preservation of our water resources in Australia is one of the most pressing concerns we face. As part of the world’s hottest and driest climate, Australians, and our primary industries, must contend with strict water management, to ensure that enough goes around. As we face the threat of climate change, this looks set to worsen. But far from mere volume, the quality of the resource has come under fire lately.
It is one thing to ensure that our farms and homes are getting an ample supply, but ensuring a reasonable amount is left over for the natural world is becoming more and more important. During the drought of the 2000s, the Murray River was running so low that is failed to naturally reach the ocean. Only dredging the harbour mouth kept the entire Coorong delta area from drying up completely.
Elsewhere, fish and wildlife populations struggle with a poor quality water supply. The siltation levels of the river, exacerbated by carp and poor construction practices, work against the necessary habitat for such iconic species as Murray cod.
This is one of the reasons that industrial practitioners across Australia are being obliged to ensure that their runoff is treated properly. Soil from construction works can easily wind up in watersheds, and use of proper silt socks and coir logs – such as those offered by such firms as Ecospill – can ease these issues.
It is just one small thing we can do to give back, and protect our water resources for future generations.