1. Grundfos Australia
  2. About us
  3. Cases
  4. How a South Australian dair...

Since 2023, South Australia’s Mount Pleasant region, near the Barossa Valley, has been battered by relentless drought, with record-low rainfall persisting through spring 2024 and summer 2024-25. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reported the driest summer since 2018–19, with below-average rainfall in January and February 2025, and ongoing deficiencies in southeast South Australia through 2025[1], leaving soil moisture and water storages critically low.

The Situation

For Nick Zerk, a third-generation dairy farmer managing a 1,000-acre farm, the prolonged dry spell dried up dams, forcing complete reliance on bore water. Complicating matters, the farm’s 1968 diesel turbine pump, positioned next to the family home, was noisy, inefficient, and disruptive, roaring day and night to draw groundwater. “It was outdated technology, and the noise was relentless,” Nick recalls. With aquifers under increasing strain from overuse and climate change, and BOM forecasting below-average rainfall into mid-2025, Nick needed a solution that ensured water security while protecting the region’s vital groundwater reserves.

The farm's old noisy diesel pump and diesel motor.

The Solution

Nick turned to Grundfos solar-powered pumping technology, installing the innovative SPE pump. This high-efficiency system, powered by the sun, replaced the noisy diesel pump, delivering silent operation and free pumping daily. Designed for sustainability, the SPE pump features a permanent magnet motor, achieving 10% higher efficiency than standard motors, and a frequency drive that optimizes energy and water use. Its smart controls monitor tank levels, auto-starting and stopping to prevent overpumping, thus safeguarding the aquifer.

Renewable Solar Inverter RSI

To further enhance resilience, Nick installed a new, reliable bore and a backup, reducing dependence on a single groundwater source. “We’re not just relying on one bore anymore,” he says. “This setup ensures we’re prepared if issues arise, without overtaxing the aquifer.”

Jurgen Mrozek, Groundwater Product Manager explains: “Introduced in 2022, the SPE pump cuts CO2 emissions and prevents aquifer depletion by enabling precise water management. It’s built to last, empowering farmers to protect groundwater for the long term.”

The Outcome

After over 12 months of operation, the Grundfos SPE pump has transformed Nick’s farm. The system runs flawlessly, providing a reliable water supply despite the ongoing drought, with BOM data indicating no immediate relief. The silent operation has restored peace to the family home, and solar power has eliminated pumping costs, boosting financial savings. Most critically, the pump’s smart technology has minimised water wastage and reduced strain on the aquifer.

Nick’s proactive measures - adopting advanced technology and diversifying water sources - have ensured the farm’s resilience while setting a standard for sustainable aquifer management. “We’re not just surviving the drought,” Nick says. “We’re managing water responsibly for future generations.” As South Australia’s dry conditions persist, the Zerk farm’s success with Grundfos technology offers a replicable model for farmers worldwide, demonstrating how innovation can balance agricultural needs with environmental stewardship in an era of climate uncertainty.

We’re not just surviving the drought. We’re managing water responsibly for future generations.
Nick Zerk, Farm owner, South Australia

[1] http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/season/sa/summary.shtml