Variability in Australian rainfall is a principal challenge in the management of water and viable agricultural enterprises. Evaporation is key cause of water loss from farm dams. However, the associated costs can be a barrier to adoption. Recent studies using floating, clean, recycled material on open water bodies have demonstrated the potential to reduce evaporation by seventy percent at near zero cost.

 Surveys were conducted with agricultural leaders and farmers to identify the socio-economic barriers preventing the adoption of evaporation mitigation practices. Farmers’ primary concerns during drought are stock welfare and maintaining stock levels; objectives greatly challenged by lack of water and feed. All farmers recognised the significance of evaporation. The concept of mitigating evaporation was warmly welcomed but practical demonstration must be achieved for adoption. The survey also exposed the following major concerns:

• Government amalgamations have resulted in a disappearance of extension services increasing the barriers to innovation adoption.
• The principal concerns regarding evaporation mitigation were establishment costs, practical large-scale implementation, maintenance costs and longevity of material.
• Water ownership is a fundamental concern. Farmers will not invest in evaporation infrastructure until clarity regarding who rightfully owns the water is achieved.

 Increasing Australia’s agricultural water supply will require substantial development and industry adoption lead time to prepare for drought. Leaders saw potential in dam water security providing a well distributed water network, enabling greater land management and utilisation of grazing areas. The ownership of water is the principal barrier to implementation of evaporation mitigation.