Dam floating covers: improving water quality

How do you reduce algae and evaporation in dam water using a floating cover?

Water scarcity has become an increasingly critical issue in arid regions like Southern Australia over recent decades. As rainfall patterns decline and climate warming accelerates evaporation rates, water stored in dams, reservoirs, and rivers faces mounting pressure from both reduced input and increased losses. This challenge is compounded by rising water demands from agricultural and industrial sectors, leading to escalating prices and reduced availability.

The impact of evaporation on irrigation dams represents a significant concern, particularly in Australia, where over 2 million farm dams collectively store more than 8,000,000 ML of water. These storage facilities are vital for irrigation enterprises, serving either as primary water sources or as flexible management tools for surface and groundwater resources. Mining operations face similar challenges, with water management throughout their operations subject to strict regulations and complex operational demands. For these industries, effective water conservation and evaporation control have become essential priorities.

Evaporation control can be achieved effectively through protective covers that address the primary drivers of water loss: wind and heat. AWTT has established itself as an industry leader in custom design, fabrication, and installation of modular dam covers, building on decades of experience delivering high-quality fabric solutions.

The innovative yet straightforward design of these evaporation control systems centers on hexagonal modules, ranging from 100mm to 300mm in size, constructed from high-density UV-resistant polyethylene (HDPE). These modules naturally tessellate when deployed, creating a protective blanket across the water’s surface. This design achieves multiple benefits: optimal evaporation protection, controlled sunlight penetration for water quality maintenance, reduced temperature fluctuation, algae prevention, and minimized wave action that helps prevent bank erosion and sediment suspension.

Manufacturing these modules from food-grade virgin polymer HDPE ensures their compatibility with various water conditions, including exposure to caustic soda, cyanide, or highly acidic waters. Their inert nature makes them suitable even for potable water storage facilities. The Hexprotect SLIM variant features a compact 2″ draft design, optimizing shipping efficiency while maintaining effectiveness.

The system’s practical advantages extend to installation and maintenance. The covers arrive ready to deploy, requiring no on-site assembly, and are delivered in specially designed bags for straightforward implementation. This design approach addresses a crucial operational concern: finding an economical solution that minimizes both initial and ongoing costs. Unlike traditional solid covers that demand regular maintenance, these modular systems operate effectively with minimal intervention, providing a clear advantage in long-term operational efficiency.

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