What is Aquatain?
Aquatain is a unique silicone-based liquid which spreads across the water surface, forming a very thin film and greatly reducing evaporation.
The concept of a monolayer is not new – it’s been known for many years that some industrial alcohols can reduce evaporation in this way, but alcohols degrade very quickly and must be re-applied every couple of days. Aquatain uses the same concept, but with advanced materials to greatly improve its performance and longevity.
Aquatain can be used anywhere there is a requirement to reduce evaporation:
- Drinking water storages
- Farm ponds
- Mining ponds
- Golf courses
- Swimming pools!
What about the effect of waves and strong winds on the effectiveness of Aquatain?
Wave action and strong winds can disturb the Aquatain film temporarily, but the silicone lattice will re-form when the wind drops.
Is Aquatain cost-effective?
Trials have confirmed that the water savings from using Aquatain far outweigh the costs. With water prices likely to escalate in many areas, Aquatain will become even more cost-effective.
Save water with Aquatain!
Evaporation – how much water do I lose?
Evaporation is the single largest cause of water loss.
Every square metre of water surface loses about 8 litres to evaporation every day in the warmer months.
This means that even a small farm dam of 1,000 square metres will lose 8,000 litres per day. A 100 hectare dam loses 8 megalitres per day, or 56 megalitres every week
The table shows evaporation losses for typical dam sizes ranging up to 100 hectares.
*Typical daily evaporation during the warmer months in most parts of Australia
How much water will I save with Aquatain?
Independent trials using Aquatain have achieved evaporation savings of around 50%. (Copies of trial reports available on request.)
Environment & safety
Is Aquatain safe?
Yes, it is! Silicones are used in hundreds of applications including water-repellent sealers, hair conditioners and lipsticks. They are also used to reduce foam in commercial food applications and as non-stick sprays in the baking trade.
An independent water quality report has concluded that:
- Aquatain added to the surface of water bodies does not affect the chemistry of the water
- the film of Aquatain does not prevent the water from oxygenation
- there is no evidence that aquatic life suffers a negative effect
- Aquatain does not produce any effects that would be deleterious for potable water quality.
Copies of the report, as well as other information on silicones in the environment, are available on request.
Apply aquatain
How much Aquatain do I need to apply?
If applying Aquatain manually, we recommend an application rate of 2 litres per hectare every 10 days. If using a dosing unit (see below), the settings are calibrated to release approximately this amount.
What drum sizes are available?
Aquatain is available in:
- 2.5 litre and 5 litre drums (selected stores only)
- 20 litre drums
- 110 litre drums
- 200 litre drums
- 1,000 litre IBCs
How do I apply Aquatain?
Aquatain can be applied by simply pouring it directly from the drum on to the water. It will spread rapidly across the surface.
However, to ensure regular dosing and to enable you to ‘set it and forget it’, two automatic dosing units are available:
The DS-1 is designed for storages with a surface area up to 1 hectare (10,000 square metres), and is operated by 2 x 1.5 volt batteries
The DS-2 is designed for larger storages, and is solar powered.
Each unit delivers a programmed dose at regular intervals.
DS-1 Dosing Unit DS-2 Dosing Unit
For storages greater than 20 hectares, aerial application is recommended.
Ready reckoner
What drum size and dosing unit do I need?
Simply calculate the area of your water storage and match it to the drum size and method of application below.
A Ready Reckoner is available for calculating the potential water savings for your particular situation – ask us for a copy!
Swimming pools
Aquatain is ideal for reducing evaporation from swimming pools!
Simply pour Aquatain on to the water and watch it spread across the surface!
For a standard domestic pool with an area of 30 square metres, an application of 25 ml twice weekly during summer will be sufficient.
Aquatain is available for pools in a special 500 ml bottle with a measuring chamber. The bottle should last for around 10 weeks when applied to a standard pool.
Using Your Pool
You can swim in your pool at any time. Aquatain is virtually invisible on the surface but, if it is overdosed, a matte film may appear for a short period. This will have no adverse effects.
