Accounting for on-farm water storage practices in the face of dual-extreme cumulative impacts and threats in catchments
Date
2011
Authors
Pisaniello, J.D.
Tingey Holyoak, J.
Burritt, R.L.
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Conference paper
Citation
Acqua alta: exhibition and international conference on climate impact, flood protection and hydraulic engineering, 2011, pp.1-12
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Acqua Alta: Exhibition and International Conference on Climate Impact, Flood Protection and Hydraulic Engineering (11 Oct 2011 - 13 Oct 2011 : Hamburg, Germany)
Abstract
Purpose - People living downstream of farm dams are precious, as is the environment that surrounds them. Thus, catchment runoff contributing to farm dam water stocks must be accounted for reliably, shared fairly and stored safely. Farm dams in catchments create cumulative threats to downstream farmers, communities, and environments and if not managed properly individually, the problem will aggregate at the catchment level creating 'dual-extreme cumulative impacts/threats'. The aim is to explore the concept of dual-extreme cumulative impact/threats to downstream communities and environments arising from inappropriate on-farm water storage within the Australian setting: a setting comprising high inter-annual rainfall variation creating the dual hydrologic extremes of floods and droughts. Design/methodology/approach - The problem is explored through comparative case studies undertaken in 3 States in Australia with a ground-based photographic interpretation method providing supporting empirical evidence. Findings - The paper finds farmers storing more water than they are entitled to with downstream users and environment suffering, whilst communities are placed at risk because of unsafe dams. Results indicate a need for integrated safe and equitable farm dam management accountability and assurance policy, and its proper implementation. Originality/value - The paper adds to the existing international dam policy literature by introducing the concept of 'dual extreme cumulative impacts/threats' and demonstrating the need for effective integrated policy to minimise the impacts/threats. Exemplar guidance is provided for jurisdictions seeking to improve farm dams management for sustainable and safe catchments.
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Copyright 2011 the authors