There are several methods of reducing the amount of water lost due to evaporation (evaporation control) for the purposes of this project a selection panel was established with a broad cross section of technical specialities including academics, irrigators, environmental specialists and departmental support staff to determine the products that would be used in the trials. This panel then selected Evaporation Mitigation Technologies (EMTs) that were available within the budget constraints of the project.  Most data was compiled with the help from Watersaver Company.

The evaporation control products used can be categorised into either physical or chemical covers.  The physical covers can be further categorised into Floating, Modular, Shade and Bladders (not tested). These were tested at large scale commercial water storages and/or at the evaporation trial site at USQ.  Geomembrane liners are the most-common covers used after lake liners or pond liners are installed, however.  In addition to these, the newest most-effective chemical method is using a hydrated lime in a monomelecular layer that photodegrades in 2 - 3 days.