Farm water: observations that help find the problem
This guide helps collect information; it does not diagnose or replace an electrician, plumber, water supplier or other suitable professional.
Safety first: Do not open electrical equipment, enter tanks or confined spaces, taste suspect water, work on pressurised components, or excavate to find a pipe. Keep people and stock away from electrical hazards, unstable ground and contaminated water.
No water or low flow
- Is the problem at one outlet, one line or the whole property?
- Are source/tank levels visibly normal from a safe position?
- Has the supplier issued an outage or restriction notice?
- When did it begin, and was it sudden or gradual?
- Any unusual pump sound, rapid cycling or alarm?
Possible leak
- New wet spots, greener strips, erosion or pooling?
- Tank level falling when demand should be low?
- Pump operating more often than usual?
- Which valves or branches can a competent person safely isolate?
- Photograph and mark the suspected area without digging
Overflowing trough
- Is the float, arm or guard visibly damaged?
- Is stock pressure affecting the valve or trough position?
- Is the trough base stable and reasonably level?
- Can the supply be safely isolated to prevent waste?
Dirty, salty or unusual water
- Stop using suspect water for people until appropriately assessed
- Note colour, odour, sediment and which outlets are affected
- Check supplier notices and recent weather or earthworks
- Arrange suitable water testing where quality is uncertain
Information to send
Property location; water source; system sketch if available; tank/pump/trough details; when the issue began; areas affected; recent changes; photos; short video or sound recording if safe; and any steps already taken.