From the Dingo Fence to the Mechanical River

This study proposes a hydraulic system to address water scarcity in arid regions by mimicking natural processes through advanced engineering. It collects water from diverse sources, channels it to reservoirs via pumps, and stores it in tanks on the high relief of Australian MacDonnell ranges, utilizing gravitational potential for distribution. Industrial piping creates artificial rivers to supply lakes and irrigate drought-affected areas. Considered analytical studies, fluid mechanics, energy optimization, and sustainability principles model water collection, storage, and distribution. Differential equations simulate water flow through complex terrains, accounting for pressure losses, friction, and gravity. The project employs Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to design, simulate, validate efficiency, and identify gaps. A cost-benefit analysis evaluates economic viability and socio-environmental impacts, highlighting benefits for communities, ecosystems, and agriculture. This scalable system aligns with UN sustainable water management goals, offering a replicable solution to global water scarcity in challenging environments.