How low flows can be secured
Low flow devices
A low flow device allows low flows (at or below threshold flow rate) to pass dams and watercourse diversions. Medium and high flows fill the dam as per usual. A range of conceptual designs that bypass or release flows up to this threshold flow rate can be seen here.
- Low flow bypass
- Low flow release
- On stream weir diversion
- Watercourse diversion gravity
- Watercourse diversion pumped offtake
If you would like to discuss the suitability of any of these conceptual designs please contact us using the details on the right hand side of this page.
Low flow trial sites
Trial sites have been established in the Mount Lofty Ranges to demonstrate practical ways to pass low flows around farm dams, as part of the overarching Securing Low Flows project. These sites are being intensively monitored to provide technical data about flows received, low flows passed and water balance within the dam.
More information on the trial sites is available on the Securing Low Flows project page.
Low flow design competition
The SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Board funded a design competition to crowd-source ideas from farmers, inventors, engineers, entrepreneurs and designers to explore new ways to secure low flows around dams and watercourse diversions in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Entrants contributed their know-how to build on the existing range of low flow designs. You can view the designs in the Community low flows design ideas compendium .
If you have a priority site, talk to your Field Officer about incorporating elements from these design ideas from the community.
Case studies
Recent engagement with landholders has provided some insights as to how landholders are living and working with active low flow devices on farm dams.
Read our case studies: