Are dairy farmers recycling water on farm?

Water recycling is a key part of everyday farm life for many Australian dairy farmers. It’s not just about saving water, it’s also about protecting the land, reducing waste, and using resources wisely. 

One of the main ways water is recycled is through the management of dairy shed effluent (liquid waste). Rather than letting it go to waste, farmers collect and reuse this effluent as a natural fertiliser. By applying it back onto their paddocks, they return valuable nutrients to the soil, helping pastures grow and reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers. 

This process supports healthier soils, better pasture growth, and smarter use of water - all while helping to cut down on environmental impact. In many cases, water used in dairy sheds (such as for washing down milking areas) is captured, treated or stored, and reused on-farm for irrigation or yard wash. 

Caring for the land, animals, and environment is part of what it means to be an Aussie dairy farmer. Many dairy farmers live and raise their families on the land, so looking after it for future generations is both a personal and professional commitment. Water recycling is just one of the many ways they are working towards more sustainable and responsible farming practices. 

A drop of water’s journey on a dairy farm 

On some farms, a single drop of water might be used three or even four times: 

1. Starts as plate cooler water 

Water is used to cool milk during milking, then captured. 

2. Reused for cleaning 

That same water is used to wash down yards or clean equipment. 

3. Flows into effluent system 

It mixes with manure and is stored in ponds.

4. Used again for irrigation 

Finally, it's spread onto pastures or crops to provide natural fertiliser and support plant growth. 

Other Water Recycling Practices on Australian Dairy Farms 

1. Plate cooler water reuse 

Water used to cool milk is captured and reused for:

• Yard and equipment cleaning
• Cow drinking water (if clean and safe)

2. Effluent water reuse 

Wastewater from the dairy shed is mixed with manure, stored, and reused to:

• Fertilise paddocks through irrigation
• Assist in yard or laneway cleaning

3. Rainwater harvesting 

Rainwater is collected from roofs and reused for:

• Cleaning tasks and irrigation
• Treated for stock drinking water

4. Wash water recycling 

Water used to clean the dairy shed or milking system is filtered and reused for:

• Pre-wash rinses
• Floor or yard cleaning

5. Feed pad water capture 

Runoff from feed or loafing areas is:

• Collected, settled or treated
• Reused or added to effluent systems for paddock use

6. Sequential water use 

Water is used in a priority order:

• First for hygiene tasks (like equipment cleaning)
• Then reused for lower-grade tasks like yard washdown or effluent dilution

7. Trough water recovery 

Overflow or unused water from drinking troughs is:

• Captured and reused for irrigation or cleaning

8. Stormwater diversion 

Clean stormwater is:

• Diverted away from effluent areas
• Collected and stored for reuse

9. Water-efficient infrastructure 

Low-flow hoses, trigger nozzles, and modern sprinkler systems:

• Reduce water waste
• Make recycling systems more effective

Whether it’s using rainwater, reusing shed water, or finding smart ways to clean and irrigate, dairy farmers are constantly improving how they use and reuse water - not just because they have to, but because they care. Water is an important resource on a dairy farm, and farmers are working hard to make sure not a drop goes to waste.

For further information about reducing environmental impact on dairy farms: Reducing Environmental Impact