Water Security at Belridge: Building resilience in an Australian climate
At Belridge, everything begins with the land. Healthy pastures, thriving horses and long-term sustainability all depend on one essential element: reliable, high-quality water.
In an Australian climate defined by extremes - drought, flood, heat and unpredictability - water security is not something we take for granted. The impact it makes on pasture - the core of all horses’ diets - creates impacts both nutritionally and financially if supplementary feed is required. Therefore, it’s something we plan for.
Why water matters at Belridge
As an equestrian property, water underpins every decision we make:
pasture establishment and recovery
spelling and conditioning environments for horses
long term soil health and infrastructure planning.
Our approach is grounded in care, foresight and stewardship, ensuring the Belridge remains productive and resilient for decades to come.
Assessing our water resources
Recently, we undertook testing of our existing bore to understand its capacity and reliability better. After a year of drought, it seemed as good a time as any!
The results were encouraging: the bore is capable of pumping approximately 1.9 litres per second from the aquifer, providing a strong and dependable foundation of supplementary water supply.
This step forms part of a broader, long-term water strategy. Not just to meet current needs, but also to safeguard the property’s future as climate conditions continue to evolve.
Quality is as important as quantity
While flow rates give us confidence in availability, water quality is equally critical, particularly when it comes to:
irrigation of pastures
drinking water for horses
protecting soil structure and plant health
Our next step is comprehensive water testing to assess mineral content, salinity, pH and overall suitability for both livestock and irrigation systems. Understanding these factors allows us to make informed decisions about treatment, filtration and irrigation design (hopefully!).
Irrigation with a purpose
At Belridge, irrigation is not about maximum use - it’s about intelligent use. Water licensing considers the needs of all users, and it is our responsibility to not use any more than is needed with such a precious resource.
In an environment where rainfall patterns can not always be relied upon - some years a feast, others a famine - thoughtful irrigation supports:
pasture recovery during dry periods
supporting growth during primary growing seasons
establishment of new pastures
Every litre is considered, measured and applied with intent. Balancing productivity with sustainability.
Looking Ahead
The water assessment is just one part of an ongoing journey. In an upcoming post, we’ll share insights from our water-quality testing and how those results will shape irrigation and pasture management at Belridge in the future. We’ll also touch on the broader water security measures we’re putting in place at Belridge, including how we plan for fires.