Delivering sustainable solar water supply for livestock in remote Australia - DAB x Bianco Case Study

When it comes to running livestock in remote parts of Australia, reliable access to water isn't just important, it's essential. For large cattle operations, getting water from a bore to where animals need it can be a challenge, especially when properties cover thousands of hectares and are located far from grid power.

This commercial cattle farm needed a practical way to deliver water across 9,000 hectares of rugged, hilly country while supplying 60 troughs for around 1,500 head of cattle. The solution? A solar-powered pumping network designed to move water efficiently across long distances and steep elevation changes.

The challenge of water distribution in remote areas

Many remote properties rely on diesel-powered pumps to keep water moving. While effective, these systems can be costly to run and require ongoing maintenance.

In this case, the property was located approximately 10 kilometres from grid power and featured elevation changes of up to 400 metres. The challenge was finding a reliable and cost-effective way to move water throughout the property without relying on expensive fuel-powered infrastructure.

The farm's strategy was simple but smart: pump water from bores to storage tanks positioned at higher points across the property, then use gravity to distribute water to livestock troughs. This approach significantly reduces energy requirements while maintaining a consistent water supply.

As drought conditions increased pressure on available grazing land, the water system also needed to be expanded to reach additional areas of the property and support ongoing livestock production.

Why solar pumping?

Solar pumping has become an increasingly popular option for Australian agriculture because it offers a dependable source of energy in remote locations. Once installed, solar pumping systems can operate automatically throughout daylight hours with minimal ongoing costs.

For this project, a staged solar pumping system was designed to transport water from multiple bore sources to strategically located storage tanks throughout the property. Three solar-powered borehole pump stations work together to ensure water reaches where it's needed most.

What's involved in a large-scale solar pumping system?

This installation included:

3 x DAB S4-3/39SOLM240 borehole pumps

4 x Bianco NXT post-mounted solar arrays (8 x 340W)

1 x Bianco NXT post-mounted solar array (8 x 375W)

Bianco NXT Pro controllers at each pump station

Float switch protection and automated pressure controls

Jobe diaphragm float valves and auto-start generators for additional system management

Together, these components create a fully integrated water distribution network capable of operating across a large and demanding rural landscape.

How the system works

Rather than relying on a single pump, the system uses three pumping stations to move water progressively across the property.

Pump station one

The first pump station transfers water from a bore located at the base of the hill to storage tanks at a higher elevation. Powered by solar energy, it overcomes significant elevation and pipeline friction losses while maintaining reliable flow rates.

Pump station two

Midway up the property, the second pump station acts as a transfer hub. It pumps water to additional storage tanks, including tanks positioned at some of the highest points on the property. To protect the system, a float switch prevents Pump Station Two from drawing water faster than it can be supplied from the first station. This helps maintain system efficiency and reliability.

Pump station three

Added during a later expansion, the third pump station draws water from a second bore and extends supply to additional grazing areas and storage locations. This expansion allowed the property to maintain access to water across a wider area, helping support cattle during drought conditions and improving grazing flexibility.

The benefits of solar water pumping

Lower running costs

One of the biggest advantages of solar pumping is the elimination of ongoing fuel costs. Without the need for diesel or petrol-powered pumps, operating expenses are significantly reduced. Solar systems also require less routine maintenance, helping lower long-term ownership costs.

Reliable water supply

Automated controls allow the pumps to operate without constant manual intervention. This reduces the risk of interruptions and helps ensure water remains available when livestock need it most.

Improved animal welfare

A more reliable water supply means less risk of cattle being left without water due to pump failures or delayed manual starts. In remote environments, this can make a significant difference to livestock wellbeing.

Ability to grow with the property

As this project demonstrates, solar pumping systems can be expanded when property requirements change. Adding a third pump station enabled the farm to increase water coverage and support additional grazing areas as conditions evolved.

A practical example of modern farm water management

This project highlights how solar-powered pumping technology can help overcome the challenges of managing water in remote agricultural environments. By combining renewable energy, automated controls and gravity-fed distribution, the system delivers water efficiently across a large and demanding property.

For farmers looking to reduce operating costs, improve reliability and future-proof their water infrastructure, solar pumping offers a practical and sustainable solution that can deliver benefits for years to come.

Project snapshot

Speak to your local Irrigear Independent Expert to find the right DAB and Bianco products for your needs.