A Win-Win All Around – How Alex White’s Fish Screen is Helping His Business

In Dubbo, on the banks of the Macquarie River, Alex White is running a business that literally depends on water.

As the owner of Dubbo Turf Supplies, Alex has seen firsthand how water security, efficiency, and environmental responsibility all go hand-in-hand — and how a simple but innovative upgrade to his irrigation system has delivered benefits on all fronts.

“Water’s the lifeline of all rural centres, and we’re no different to anyone else,” Alex explains. “Without water, we wouldn’t have a business. It’s as simple as that.”

But the way that water is drawn from the river matters — not just for the bottom line, but for the river itself. That’s where Alex’s decision to install a fish screen has made a big difference.

Old Systems, Hidden Problems

Like many small businesses and farms along the Macquarie, Alex’s operation originally used a traditional pump setup. A pipe extended into the river with a foot valve at the end, drawing water to irrigate turf and keep the business running.

It seemed straightforward, but what Alex didn’t realise at first was the hidden environmental cost.

“I did a bit of reading and I was really unaware of how many fish actually get sucked through the old-school foot valves and screens,” he says. “When I started looking into it, I thought — I’m a little bit interested. I might try and find out more.”

That curiosity led Alex to discover how new fish screen technology could help protect native fish species, reduce pump maintenance, and improve water quality — all while making his business more efficient.

Smarter Water Intake, Healthier River

Modern fish screens work by sitting at the surface of the water rather than down at the sediment-heavy bottom of the river. The design slows the flow rate at the intake, giving fish time to swim away, while keeping debris and sediment out of the pump system.

“For me, from what I’d heard, it sounded like a win-win for the environment and for me,” Alex says.

He decided to install the system — and nearly four years on, he hasn’t looked back.

“We’ve had that screen now for close to four years. We haven’t had any issues yet, and I can’t foresee any issues in the near future,” Alex explains. “Being an aluminium product, I see its lifespan being quite significant.”

The benefits have been clear — cleaner water, lower running costs, less maintenance, and peace of mind knowing the system is working in harmony with the river.

Cleaner Water, Less Energy, More Efficiency

The improvements started with water quality.

“By sitting on top of the water, we’re drawing cleaner water because obviously, as you go further down, the sediments are heavier,” Alex explains. “So you’ve got cleaner water on top.”

Cleaner water means the pumps work more efficiently — no clogged filters, no sediment wear on pump components, and fewer breakdowns.

“We’re using less electricity because we’re sucking from basically the surface of the water,” Alex says. “We’re not spending as much time having to clean. And obviously, the environmental side, where the fish win.”

It’s a simple change with significant ripple effects — and for Alex, it reinforces the importance of running an efficient, environmentally responsible operation.

“We really need to be as efficient as we can with our water,” he says. “Where we have an opportunity to give back to the environment, I think we’re stewards of this environment, so we need to look after it where we can.”

Responsible Farming for the Future

Alex sees the fish screen as part of a broader commitment to sustainability — one that benefits both his business and the community that relies on a healthy Macquarie River.

“These new products that come along, like the fish screens, they enable us to be environmentally responsible, to give back, to ensure that what we’re doing is going to be sustainable going into the future,” he explains.

In Australia’s harsh climate, where water scarcity is an ongoing challenge, innovations like fish screens are becoming essential — not just for farms and turf operations, but for entire regional communities.

“Water is the lifeline of all rural communities, especially in Australia where we’ve got the driest continent,” Alex says. “We really need to be as efficient as we can with our water.”

A Simple Upgrade with Big Results

 For businesses like Dubbo Turf Supplies, the decision to install a fish screen is proof that practical solutions can also deliver environmental outcomes. Cleaner water, better pump performance, reduced energy use, and healthier fish populations — all from one simple addition to the river intake.

Alex has no hesitation recommending the technology to others.

“Now that I’ve had it, I certainly wouldn’t look back,” he says. “I’d recommend anyone thinking about it that it’s definitely worth going down that path.”

For Alex White, protecting the environment and running a successful business aren’t competing priorities — they’re part of the same solution.

“It really has been a win-win all around.”

Click here for more info https://fishscreens.org.au/showcases/dubbo-turf-farm/