I get worried about the water level in my shallow well about this time each year. However, it appears to get a bit earlier every year. I will not panic yet, but it will cause big problems if it goes below the level of the pump inlet. Apart from having no water in the house, it could easily burn out the pump. This would not be the first time. It has burnt out in the past, when a pipe has burst.

Many city and other urban dwellers still seem to think that water should be free. This is madness in my view, as there is then no incentive to conserve the precious resource which is water. To be fair, I have seen some farming neighbours’ water troughs constantly overflowing. How stupid is that?

Every year, there are still reports of fish kills. There seem to be fewer in recent years, which is good progress. The problem is not always silage related. The culprit can also be milk and, of course, also from domestic sources.

Saving water

How many of us plan to save water? Some dairy farmers are already collecting shed water and storing it in underground or overground tanks. A concrete tank below ground sounds best, as it will not get damaged and is out of the way. I also slightly suspect some plastic tanks, as I have at present a plastic oil tank with a big crack in it. I hope that the manufacturers will stand over their product.

Like many conservation problems, this water shortage problem will not go away. Let us plan now to avoid unnecessary panic in the short term and to conserve this valuable resource for future generations. For those still harvesting or with hay on the ground, some continued dry weather is a blessing. Otherwise, bring on the rain!

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Farming with nature in mind