Romancing the vine: water-saving tips for vineyards
Everyone loves a vineyard – it’s a beautiful place to relax and have some downtime.
That said, with the lack of rain and how the climate has changed over the years, it can be stressful running a vineyard especially because its a water issue.
Having high restrictions on the water can cause money issues for your vineyard. Without water, your vineyard operations and maintenance will be heavily affected. The best thing you can do for your business is to introduce water saving methods which will help your business reduce its water consumption. Below are helpful tips on how you can save water.
Perform a water audit
Across South Africa, a high amount of water which we don’t have is being used on a daily basis. We might not realise how much water we’re actually misusing and that’s why every business and vineyard should conduct a water audit.
In order for a vineyard to run successfully, it needs to have a big water supply. Unfortunately, with climate change and the dry winters we have been experiencing, the amount of water vineyards need can become a problem. It’s a problem because we live in an era where there is a shortage of water and saving water has now become vital to keep the life source around.
Before anything else, you should run a water audit for your vineyard. Running a water audit for your vineyard will help you, it will pinpoint where your vineyard is using the highest quantities of water. It’s easier to save water when you know exactly where the most water is being used. After a water audit has been conducted you will be able to do your research and find ways in which you can save more water without it affecting the day to day work of your vineyard.
Do a thorough inspection
Once you have done your water audit, make sure you do an inspection around your vineyard. An inspection could help you see if there are any leaks in the office, on the ground, in the kitchen or bathroom. Having leaky taps that aren’t being replaced uses a great deal of water without us realising it. It’s important to have all leaks replaced and you can also install flow restrictors.
If your vineyard offers guests overnight accommodation, it would be best to get flow restrictors for your showers and taps. That way your guests can still enjoy their stay and its scenery while still saving water.
For your restaurant’s kitchen, it would also be best to get flow restrictors for your taps and you could buy a water-saving dishwasher. Older dishwashers had a high level or water and energy consumption, there are new models designed to save water and energy.
Inform your employees
Make sure you inform your employees, in the restaurant and on the fields to be more water-wise. Find someone who will oversee your employees on a day-to-day basis to ensure they are saving water. You could also allow your employees to be involved in how they plan on saving more water. A great way for employees to work hard and take this initiative seriously is by offering an incentive, offer one which will reward them once they start saving water.
Install drip irrigation
Despite the fact that we need to save water, there are processes which need a large amount of water. Vineyards need to water vines in order for them to produce wine. Having drip irrigations installed for your vineyard is an effective way to save water. Drip irrigation allows you to water your vineyard without wasting water. The benefit of this type of irrigation is that the water goes straight to the plant’s roots and reduces evaporation which happens with conventional irrigation.
Another smart water saving tip is scheduling time for irrigation. Make sure you don’t water your vines too much or too little, its always best to find a balance. It would be helpful to keep an eye out for the weather and water your plants in the evening to avoid evaporation. You should also feel the soil for moisture. This will help and give you an indication when the perfect time for irrigation would be.
Small scale water treatment systems
A good way your vineyard can save water is through containerised water treatment which will still produce high-quality water. Containerised water treatment plants are a hassle-free small scale water purification system which allows your vineyard a safe water source. Your business will be recycling and producing purified drinking water through the process of carbon filtration.
Another way to reduce your water footprint is by recycling your water. There are many wastewater treatment plants available that can assist you in changing your wastewater to re-usable water. These treatment plants allow your vineyard to function normally without using a large amount of water.