Living in a rural area, it doesn't take long for the topic of conversation to swing around to the weather and, in particular, rainfall.

How often have you compared notes with your friends and neighbours on how much rain you got?

But shouldn't the pertinent question be: how much of that rain have you captured and how long will the water stay there?

There are a number of management strategies that can be employed on your patch to create optimum conditions for capturing moisture and keeping it there for longer.

Watershed Landcare have invited Bill Williamson, Julia Imrie and Steve Harding to address these topics at a Water Security seminar to be held in Mudgee next week.

The seminar will be held on Tuesday 9 December, 2-5pm, at the Straw Bale Shed, Australian Rural Education Centre (AREC).

Landholders will have an opportunity to learn some of the science and practical management techniques for sustainably managing their water resources.

Sustaining the Basin Irrigated Farm Modernisation Project Officer with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Bill Williamson, will discuss surface water storage on our farms and how to reduce evaporation rates and maintain water quality in dams.

Julia Imrie will provide a background of groundwater hydrology as well as practical management techniques landholders can implement to maximise infiltration into the soil, maintain soil moisture for maximum periods and ensure on-farm activities are not resulting in groundwater pollution or over-exploitation. Julia is currently undertaking a PhD research project on the surface groundwater interaction in the Goulburn River catchment with the Australian National University, in partnership with NSW Office Water.

Steve Harding, Solar Pumping Solutions, will cover reticulated water systems and water storage considerations in his presentation. Steve will talk about the practical considerations of various pumping options and pipeline design, as well as stock water requirements.

The seminar is free to attend and afternoon tea will be provided. Please RSVP for catering purposes to Agness Knapik, Watershed Landcare Coordinator, on 0435 055 493 or info@watershedlandcare.com.au.

This event is supported by Watershed Landcare through funding from the Central West Local Land Services.