Incubator Initiative - What is the best way to treat the iron-related clogging problem in the Limestone Coast?

Iron clogging of bores, pumps and drippers is a persistent and growing problem for many irrigators in the Limestone Coast region, who rely on groundwater for irrigation. This study investigated the cause of iron related clogging of bores across the Limestone Coast region. A survey of 26 clogging-affected and unaffected bores found no apparent correlation between the presence of iron related bacteria (IRB) and the clogging status of the bore, with IRB detected in most wells sampled. There was a clear correlation between affected bores and the redox potential of the groundwater, with strongly reducing waters associated with clogged bores. The most severely affected bores were also found to be severely oversaturated in respect to iron oxide minerals indicating a strong potential for iron precipitation.