System for reducing evaporation from water surfaces

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces. The system includes a porous shading mesh cover and a modular floating support structure for supporting the porous shading mesh cover. The support structure includes a series of individual floating objects.

Description

System For Reducing Evaporation From Water SurfacesPriority Cross-Reference

[0001] The present application claims priority to Australian provisional patent application 2023903195 filed 5 October 2023, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces, particularly bodies of water exposed to open environments.Background

[0003] Evaporation from water bodies, such as dams, poses a significant challenge, leading to water loss, increased salinity, and other negative consequences. Various methods have attempted to mitigate this issue, including the use of floating covers, suspended covers, chemical layers and floating plants.

[0004] For example, it is known to use continuous floating covers to provide an impermeable barrier that floats on the water surface to reduce evaporation. Such covers can be formed from polystyrene, wax and foam.

[0005] It is also known to provide modular floating covers, namely individual units that float freely and do not completely cover the water surface. Therefore, the modular floating covers increase the transfer of dissolved oxygen through the open gaps formed between them. Floating disks in the form of round, dome shape floating modules, as well as floating balls are known to be used in lakes, ponds, streams and dams. Number and dimensions of the floating disks and floating balls are determined by the surface area of the body of water to be covered as well as the desired evaporation reduction.

[0006] It is also known to use suspended structures to suspend covers, such as shade cloth, over water surfaces with supporting poles and steel cables. Such a cover reduces the action of wind and blocks incoming solar radiation therefore reducing the evaporation rates from water surfaces. Suspended covers are economically used for small bodies of water, however there is a relatively high capital cost for construction and on-going maintenance of such systems.

[0007] Chemical methods of evaporation reduction have also been used, such as chemical monolayers, or single molecular layers, of insoluble or sparingly soluble compounds. Whenapplied to water, these compounds form an invisible film that can be used to cover a reservoir and block evaporation.

[0008] Biological covers can also be used to reduce water evaporation. For example, floating aquatic plants such as waterlily, small duck weed, great duck weed and watermeal can reduce the evaporation of water reservoirs by preventing the connection between the air and the boundary layer of water. However, not all water plants effectively reduce evaporation rates and the type and number of plants required, as well as their on-going health, can vary widely depending upon the location in which they are used.

[0009] Moreover, windbreaks can be used as one of the most important factors effecting the rate of evaporation from water surfaces. The planting of trees normal to the direction of windward is an effective method for reducing evaporation losses.

[0010] However, all of the abovementioned prior art solutions have exhibited limitations in terms of cost effectiveness, coverage area, environmental impact and ease of installation and maintenance. It would therefore be desirable to provide a system and method for reducing evaporation from water surfaces that ameliorates or overcomes one or more disadvantages of such prior art system methods.

[0011] The above discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any aspect of the discussion was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces, including a porous shading mesh cover; and a modular floating support structure for supporting the porous shading mesh cover, the support structure including a series of individual floating objects.

[0013] In one of more embodiments, the porous shading mesh cover includes one or more layers of shade cloth.

[0014] In one of more embodiments, the porous shading mesh cover includes two layers of shade cloth. The two-layer configuration may advantageously supplement the evaporation reduction by further reducing the amount of heat reaching the water surface. Additionally, as compared to a single layer mesh cover, the two-layer configuration provides an additional layer of mesh through which water vapor must penetrate in order to be lost from the water surface.For example, the two-layer structure may operate to trap water vapour that evaporates from the waterbody and passes through the lower layer of shading mesh. As the water vapour between the two layers cools and condensates, it can eventually drip back through the lower layer of mesh and return to waterbody. In this manner, the two-layer structure may provide a vapor-capturing arrangement and whereby vapor loss is further mitigated.

[0015] In one of more embodiments, the porous shading mesh cover is formed from a series of attachable sections.

[0016] In one of more embodiments, the attachable sections are removably attachable. The attachable sections may therefore be selectively detached and attached as needed. The removably attachable sections may allow for temporary separation of the sections. This may advantageously allow for boats or other watercraft to pass between detached sections or for safety purposes should someone before trapped below the mat.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the attachable sections are manually detachable. In a particular embodiment, the removable attachment between sections can be detached by a user's hands and without requiring special tools or equipment. Similarly, the attachment between sections may be configured to allow convenient attachment (or reattachment after a temporary detachment) by hand. The attachable sections may be configured for toolless attachment and detachable. Attachment and detachable may be desirably performed by hand and without requiring special tools or equipment. This may advantageously expedite the attachment of the series of attachable sections and allowing a relatively large shading mesh cover to be assembled from a series of smaller sections in reduced time. Similarly, where it is desirable to temporarily or permanently detach attached sections, the sections may be conveniently detached by a user on a watercraft by hand.

[0018] In one of more embodiments, the attachable sections include fasteners for attachment to adjoining sections. In a particular embodiment, the fasteners are as hook or loop fasteners. In a particular embodiment, the fasteners are magnetic fasteners. In a particular embodiment, the fasteners may comprise snap fasteners. In a particular embodiment, the fasteners comprise zipper fasteners.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, a pair of attached sections are configured for peeling detachment. That is, the pair of attached sections may be detached from one another by peeling attached portions of the sections apart from one another. For example, fasteners such as hook and loop, magnetic fasteners or press-fit / snap-fit fasteners may typically be detachedby peeling. This configuration may advantageously expedite detachment insofar as a user is not required to untie, unbutton, unlash, unweave or otherwise undertake a convoluted detachment step. The provision of sections which can be detached by peeling may advantageously allow for one or more operators to separate attached sections from the bow of a watercraft in order to permit passage between sections of the mesh cover. Similarly, separated sections of the mesh cover could be reattached together at the stern of the watercraft once it has passed between the sections.

[0020] In one of more embodiments, each of the attachable sections has a width of between 4 and 8 meters, and preferably 6 meters.

[0021] In one of more embodiments, each of the attachable sections has a length of between 20 meters and 80 meters, and preferably 50 meters.

[0022] In one of more embodiments, the individual floating objects float freely from each other.

[0023] In one of more embodiments, the individual floating objects are formed in the shape of a ball, which advantageously minimizes the contact area supporting shade cloth compared to a disc or other shape.

[0024] In one of more embodiments, the individual floating object are releasably secured to the mesh cover.

[0025] In one of more embodiments, the individual floating objects are rubberized, or made from HDPE UV stabilised polyethylene or packed foam.

[0026] In one of more embodiments, the material density of the mesh cover is between 200-240 gsm.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of reducing evaporation from water surfaces, including the steps of: placing a modular floating support structure on water surface, the support structure including a series of individual floating objects; and placing a porous shading mesh cover on top of the modular floating support structure.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces, including a porous shading mesh cover; and a plurality of connectors at an edge of the mesh cover, for connecting the mesh cover to a support to suspend the mesh cover above a waterbody.

[0029] Embodiments of the system for reducing water evaporation from water surfaces propose a novel approach to reducing evaporation from water surfaces comprising two main components, namely a porous shading mesh cover and a modular floating support structure. The shading mesh cover consists of one or more layers of shade cloth, which is supported above the water surface by a modular floating support structure engineered to uphold the shading mesh cover. In so doing, the shading mesh cover supported above the water surface by the modular floating support structure is designed to allow controlled airflow while effectively reducing the direct exposure of the water surface to the environment. The modular floating support structure includes a series of individual floating objects, such as balls, that float freely on the surface of the water.

[0030] In such an arrangement, a significantly reduced number of floating objects, such as balls, than has been previously used in the prior art is required because it's function is to support the shading mesh cover rather than to provide direct evaporation prevention control. However, by relying upon the modular floating support structure to perform this function, use of a suspended structure including supporting poles and steel cables is avoided. This results in an arrangement which is more cost effective that prior art solutions, enables a greater area of water surface to be covered whilst maintaining spacing between the poor shading mesh and then water surface in order to minimise the environmental impact of the water evaporation reduction system.

[0031] The shade cloth's porous nature enables the passage of air, rain and some sunlight through the cover. This helps to prevent the build-up of humidity and heat underneath the cover. By allowing some natural light to pass through the cover, the ecological balance in the waterbody can be maintained. The mesh cover may therefore be configured as a breathable mesh cover.

[0032] Reducing the build-up of humidity and heat may also help to inhibit blue algae growth which can occur in other water surface evaporation covers. Blue algae growth typically occurs in warmer bodies of water. By having multiple mesh layers, the present system may help to maintain a lower temperature on the water surface, thereby inhibiting the growth of blue algae.

[0033] Embodiments of the system for reducing water evaporation from surfaces offer several notable advantages over existing prior art systems:1. Cost efficiency - the modular floating support structure minimises the number of individual floating objects required compared to fully covering the water surface with individual floating objects or the use of suspended systems. This reduction in required materials directly contributes to costs savings.2. Coverage area - the above-described system is capable of efficiently covering larger water surface areas compared to certain existing methods, such as individual modular covers, making it suitable for diverse applications, from small reservoirs to large lakes.3. Ecological balance - the porous shading mesh cover maintains a balanced environment beneath it, allowing for natural sunlight and air circulation. This is in contrast to solid covers that can potentially disrupt the eco system due to lack of light and ventilation, or to systems in which continuous floating covers rest directly on the water surface.4. Ease of installation - in embodiment in which the porous shading mesh cover is formed from a series of attachable sections, installation and maintenance is simplified, making the system user friendly and adaptable.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] The invention will now be described in further detail by reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces in accordance with the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 is a drawing depicting the deployment of one embodiment of individual floating objects on to the surface of a body of water, the floating objects forming part of the system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces shown in figure 1;

[0037] Figure 3 is a plan view of a layer of shade cloth forming part of the porous shading mesh cover which itself forms part of the system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces shown in figure 1;

[0038] Figure 4 shows an attachable section of the porous shade mesh cover forming part of the system shown in figure 1;

[0039] Figures 5 to 7 show three different detailed views of the attachable section of porous shading mesh cover shown in figure 4;

[0040] Figure 8 shows a plurality of sections of the porous shade mesh cover, releasably attached together to form a larger mesh cover which forms part of the system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces shown in figure 1;

[0041] Figure 9 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces, showing the floating objects releasably clipped to the mesh cover;

[0042] Figure 10 is a schematic side view of a third embodiment of a system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces, showing the mesh cover suspended over a body of water;

[0043] Figure 11 shows a plurality of sections of porous shade mesh cover, releasably attached together to form a larger mesh cover which may form part of the system for reducing evaporation from water surface shown in any of figures 1, 9 or 10.

[0044] Figure 12 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces, wherein the mesh cover comprises two layers.Detailed Description

[0045] Referring firstly to figure 1, there is shown generally an elevation view of one embodiment of a system 10 for reducing evaporation from a water surface 12. The system 10 includes a porous shading mesh cover 14 as well as a modular floating support structure 16 for supporting the porous shading mesh cover 14, the support structure 16 including a series 18 to 24 of individual floating objects. In the example shown in figure 1, the individual floating objects are devices commonly known as "shade balls". These objects are plastic eco-friendly balls suitable for use in lakes, ponds, streams and dams. The Department of Water and Power in the United States first used such balls in California Los Angeles in 2011. Shade balls are small plastic spheres that float on top of a reservoir for environmental reasons, also known as bird balls, they were initially developed to prevent birds from landing on bodies of water. Shade balls are typically made from high density polyethylene with carbon black additive to protect the plastic from ultraviolet radiation. Adding carbon black also prevents the formation of bromate, a suspected human carcinogen. Unlike conventional systems for reducing evaporation from water surfaces, embodiments of the present invention minimise the number of shade balls or other individual floating objects required to be used in order to effectively reduce evaporation from the body of water in question.

[0046] In other embodiments, the individual floating objects may be formed by floating disks or any other like object that is buoyant and able to support the porous shading mesh cover 14 above the surface of the water.

[0047] In some embodiments, the mesh cover 14 of Figure 1 may include two layers, as is shown in figure 12.

[0048] The deployment of shade balls into a body of water is common in Northern America, and a drawing 30 depicting this deployment is shown in figure 2. Figure 2 shows shade balls 31 being deployed from the back of a truck onto a reservoir 32.

[0049] Figure 3 is a plan view of a layer 40 of shade cloth forming part of the porous shading mesh cover 14 shown in figure 1. Typically, two layers of shade cloth may be used to form the porous shading mesh cover, but in other embodiments of the invention anywhere from one to ten layers of shade cloth may be suitable for use, depending upon the application in question.

[0050] A preferred type of mesh material is a knitted material with average stitch length between 2mm and 6mm. In the embodiment illustrated, the average stitch length is around 3mm. The desirable mesh size will depend to some extent on the temperature and evaporation rate of the environment in which the system for reducing evaporation is deployed. However, the above range of stitch length is found to be suitable to a wide range of applications. Knitted material is preferred over woven material because it is less prone to failure if one stitch is torn, and also because it typically allows more appropriately sized and shaped holes. A knitted construction also substantially reduces tearing and the propensity of "runs" to develop once the shade cloth is damage or cut.

[0051] In embodiments where two layers of shade cloth are used, the average separation between the first layer and second layer is preferably between 2 and 10mm, so that the porous shading mesh cover essentially forms a 3-dimensional mesh. The average stitch length and separation between the first and second layers can be adjusted to balance wind or air circulation and to allow for some natural sunlight to pass through the porous mesh shading cover so as to minimise the disruption of the evaporation reduction system on the local eco system, whilst minimising the evaporation of the water from the body of water in question.

[0052] The mesh material may be made from cotton or another natural fibre, but in preferred arrangements the mesh material is formed from plastics fibres, such as polyethylene. Smooth plastic fibres are typically smoother natural fibres and therefore provide a lowerdegree of wind resistance, allowing an optimal amount of air circulation to pass through the porous shading mesh cover on to the surface of the water, whilst minimising the evaporation from the body of water.

[0053] In some embodiments of the invention, the installation and maintenance of the system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces is enhanced by the porous shading mesh cover being formed from a series of attachable sections. One such attachable section 50 is shown in figure 4. As shown in figure 4, the attachable section 50 attaches to neighbouring attachable sections, for example, by means of hook-and-loop type fasteners. Two sides 52 and 54 of the attachable section have upwardly facing protruding loop edges, whilst the other two sides 56 and 58 have downwardly facing hook edges. Regularly spaced around the edges are D rings 60 to 66, which interact with straps 68 (see detail shown in figure 5) on adjacent attachable sections of the porous shading mesh cover to help secure adjacent attachable sections together. The strap 68 folds back on to itself and is held in place by a hook-and-loop type fastening arrangement.

[0054] Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the attachable sections do not have D-rings and corresponding straps. In this embodiment, each section is only attachable to an adjacent section by the corresponding hook-and-loop type fasteners 52, 54, 56, 58 along the edge of each section. In this embodiment, sections of the mesh cover may be separated whilst the system is installed on a waterbody, for example to let a watercraft pass through sections of the mesh cover. The detached sections may then be easily reattached once the watercraft has passed through.

[0055] Figures 6 and 7 show details of two adjacent attachable sections 70 and 72 joined together. Figure 7 shows one corner 53 of one attachable section 72 peeled back. The sections 70 and 72 of Figure 7 are removably attached sections insofar as they can be temporarily detached from one another. The sections 70 and 72 are detachable by peeling apart. The sections 70 and 72 are therefore configured for peeling detachment which advantageously enables convenient detachment when necessary for a watercraft to pass between attached sections of the shade cover.

[0056] The peeling detachment is also toolless in that the sections can be manually detached by hand and without the need for specialised tools or equipment. Attachable section 72 includes downwardly facing hook edge 58 which is being peelingly detached from corresponding upwardly facing protruding loop edge 52 of adjacent attachable section 70.Adjacent attachable sections 70 and 72 are detachable by pulling or peeling apart from one another, as shown in Figure 7 in which corner 53 and the hook fastener 57 on hook edge 58 is being detached from loop fastener 59 on loop edge 52 by peeling. In this manner, the attachable sections 70 and 72 can be detached by peeling detachment. It will be appreciated that attached sheets can therefore be separated by a user with a convenient pulling action that does not require disengagement of buttons or lashes or clips nor does it require disengagement of any woven attachment or the like. Furthermore, the detachment is nondestructive which allows for temporary detachment (for example to permit watercraft access) and for subsequent reattachment. It will be appreciated that peeling attachment and detachment can be achieved with a variety of attachment systems including but not limited to hook and loop attachment, magnetic attachment, press or snap fit fasteners and the like.

[0057] Figure 8 shows a plurality of attachable sections 70, 71, 72, 73 being attached together to form a larger mesh cover. In this arrangement, the system can scale to any size and can be shaped to suit any body of water. The sections may be secured using straps and loops to provide a more secure connection. Alternatively, the sections may be connected only using hook-and-loop type fasteners. In such an arrangement, the individual sections can easily be separated for example to allow a boat to pass between the mesh covers when the system is installed on a body of water.

[0058] Figure 9 shows an elevation view of an embodiment of the system 10 for reducing evaporation from a water surface 12. It shows a plurality of floating objects 18, 20, 22, 24 connected to a mesh cover 14. The floating objects 18, 20, 22, 24 are releasably connected to the mesh cover 14 using clips 76. The clips 76 are attached to the mesh cover 14 at regular intervals. In alternative embodiments, the floating objects may be releasably connected to the mesh cover using any suitable means. The mesh cover 14 according to the embodiment of figure 9 may comprise a single layer of material, or it may comprise two or more layers, as shown in figure 12.

[0059] Figure 10 shows a generally planar partial view of an end of a system 80 for reducing evaporation from a water surface, according to an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the mesh cover 14 includes a connector 82 at its end. The mesh cover is connected to a support 84 in the form of a post at the edge of the water surface, to suspend the mesh cover above the body of water. The mesh cover 14 according to the embodiment offigure 10 may comprise a single layer of material, or it may comprise two or more layers, as shown in figure 12.

[0060] Figure 11 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a mesh cover which forms part of a system for reducing evaporation from a water body. It shows a plurality of attachable sections 70, 71, 72, 73 attached together to form a mesh cover. Two sides 52 and 54 of each attachable section have upwardly facing protruding loop edges, whilst the other two sides 56 and 58 have downwardly facing hook edges. In this embodiment, the adjacently attached sections are easily detachable when the system is installed on a waterbody. This allows a boat or other watercraft to pass between sections of the mesh cover. The adjacent sections can then be easily reattached once the boat has passed through.

[0061] Figure 12 shows a schematic of how the system reduces evaporation on a waterbody. In this embodiment, the mesh cover 14 includes two layers comprising a lower layer 86 and an upper layer 88. Water vapour 90 evaporates from the water surface 12. A portion of the vapour 90 is trapped below the lower layer 86 and returns to the water surface in the form of condensate. The porous nature of the mesh cover layers means that a portion of water vapour 90 may pass through the lower layer 86 into the space between the lower layer 86 and upper layer 88. A significant portion of vapor is trapped in this space may then become cooled and drip back as condensate 92 into the surface 12 of the waterbody. In this manner, the two-layer configuration acts to further reduce evaporation losses.

[0062] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the attachable sections have a width of between 4 and 8 metres, and preferrable 6 metres. Moreover, each of the attachable sections preferrable has a length of between 20 metres and 80 metres, and more preferrable 50 metres. It will be appreciated however that the system is not limited to any particular shape. The system can be scaled to any desired size or shaped to any body of water by attaching more mat sections.

[0063] Either or both of the shading mesh cover and the attachable sections which collectively form the shading mesh cover may comprise a rectangular or square shape. It will be appreciated that other shapes could be implemented such as circular, pentagonal, hexagonal, triangular or any other suitable shape.

[0064] The shading mesh cover may comprise as many attachable sections as is necessary to achieve a predetermined size and / or shape. For example, a portion of a water reservoir may be designated for recreational boating use and another portion designated for covering withthe shading mesh cover to reduce evaporation. In this instance, the size and shape of the shading mesh cover may be determined by the area of the reservoir designated for evaporation reduction and an appropriate number and shape of attachable sections may be deployed and attached to form the shading mesh cover.

[0065] In some embodiments of the invention, the system may be anchored to the bottom of the waterbody. This allows the system to be used on patches of water away from the shore or water edge. Select areas of a waterbody could be covered whilst other areas of the water can still be used by watercraft.

[0066] It would be appreciated that embodiments of the invention allow for very rapid deployment of the porous shading mesh cover, in a manner which is efficacious in a broad variety of conditions and temperatures. In a typical deployment, the attachable sections of shading mesh cover need only be rolled out beside each other, with matching hooks and loops pressed together. Where additional security is required, strap 68 may be used in conjunction with the D rings 6 to 66 to strengthen the join between adjacent attachable sections.

[0067] Whilst the invention has been described in conjunction with a limited number of embodiments, it would be appreciated by those in the art that many alternative modifications and variations in light of the forgoing description are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed.

[0068] Where any or all of the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components.

Claims

Claims1. A system for reducing evaporation from water surfaces, including a porous shading mesh cover; and a modular floating support structure for supporting the porous shading mesh cover, the support structure including a series of individual floating objects.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the porous shading mesh cover includes one or more layers of shade cloth.

3. A system according to either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the porous shading mesh cover includes two layers of shade cloth.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the porous shading mesh cover is formed from a series of attachable sections.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the attachable sections are removably attachable.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the attachable sections are detachable by peeling apart attached portions of the attached sections.

7. A system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the attachable sections include fasteners for attachment to adjoining sections.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the fasteners are selectively detachable fasteners.

9. A system according to claims 7 or 8 wherein the fasteners are configured for toolless attachment and detachment.

10. A system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the fasteners comprise hook or loop fasteners.

11. A system according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein each of the attachable sections has a width of between 4 and 8 meters, and preferably 6 meters.

12. A system according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein each of the attachable sections has a length of between 20 meters and 80 meters, and preferably 50 meters.

13. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the series of floating objects are secured to the mesh cover.

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the series of floating objects are releasably secured to the mesh cover.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein each floating object is provided with an attachment portion for engaging with one or more corresponding attachment portions on the mesh cover.

16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the attachment portions of the floating objects comprises a tether or clip which is releasably connectable with a corresponding tether or clip on the mesh cover.

17. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual floating objects float freely from each other.

18. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual floating objects are formed in the shape of a ball.

19. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual floating objects are rubberized, or made from HDPE UV stabilised polyethylene or packed foam.

20. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material density of the mesh cover is between 200-240 gsm.

21. A method of reducing evaporation from water surfaces, including the steps of: placing a modular floating support structure on water surface, the support structure including a series of individual floating objects; and placing a porous shading mesh cover on top of the modular floating support structure.

22. A system for reducing evaporation from a water surface, including a porous shading mesh cover suspended above the water surface, the mesh cover comprising a plurality of connectors; and a support arrangement comprising a plurality of supports connected to the plurality of connectors and fixed in a ground surface adjacent to the water surface.

23. A system according to claim 22, wherein the connectors are located at an edge of the mesh cover.

24. A system according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the porous shading mesh cover includes at least two layers of shade cloth.

25. A system according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the porous shading mesh cover is formed from a series of attachable sections.

26. A system according to claim 25, wherein the attachable sections are detachable by peeling apart attached portions of the attached sections.

27. A system according to claim 26, wherein the attachable sections include fasteners for attachment to adjoining sections.

28. A system according to claim 27, wherein the fasteners are selectively detachable fasteners.

29. A system according to any one of claims 27 or 28, wherein the fasteners comprise hook or loop fasteners.

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