WHEN water is scarce, every drop is a gift - sometimes literally, as people and groups mobilise to make sure no one runs dry.
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Rural Aid has begun sending tankers of water to the Manilla area - efforts bolstered by the Finish Water Waste campaign.
Among those who have received a very welcome gift of water are Winton farmers Karen and Peter Weller.
They recently got in 13,000 litres of water after two years of troubles and expense.
That's about the last time they had anything in their dams; then their bore started to run dry in April last year.
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"We had to put a new bore down ... that was successful and we got good water flow," Mrs Weller said.
"Unfortunately, that happened before there were any subsidies from the government and we couldn't get any help; we had to borrow money to do it."
About 6.5km of old piping needed replacing, and the Wellers also reduced their Hereford cattle numbers by 60 per cent and destocked every one of their 1000-odd sheep.
But it had to be done.
"You can always feed stock, but if they run out of water you're in big trouble," Mrs Weller said.
An underground tank system that supplies drinking and household water has run out five or six times, she said, which has meant buying water in each time.
They learnt from Doing It For Our Farmers help might be available from Rural Aid and said it had taken a great load off their minds.
"I think everybody is juggling it all: we all have our buckets in the bathroom, you don't waste any water," Mrs Weller said.
"When you've been on the land all your life like we have, you're brought up to know water is precious and every drop counts."
Despite the challenges, the Wellers maintain a positive attitude.
Mrs Weller blogs about her experiences, her way of dealing with the stress of the drought and also inspiring others.
"The biggest lesson I've learnt is that I can't control everything," Mrs Weller said.
"I can only look at the things I can control: my actions and my feelings. That's what I've been focusing on."
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
