Water management

Chapter 2: Water management

The Water management chapter focuses on management of irrigation to maximize efficient use of water applied in response to crop water demand and the amount of water available. Good irrigation management is essential to maximise yields and control product quality. The chapter also highlights the importance of managing drainage water and run-off to avoid any impact, such as nutrient pollution, on groundwater or waterways and wetlands.

The chapter is consequently split into the following topics:
2a Irrigation efficiency
2b Water quality
2c Managing wastewater

Note that within each chapter the guidelines provide information and guidance on the following:

• the priority environmental management issues of concern;
• how a business can assess the associated environmental risks;
• practices that are recommended for addressing the identified risks; and
• suggestions for monitoring and recording to demonstrate that environmental management outcomes are being met.