Slide 1.   Carl Walters (left) and Graeme Wilkinson of Goulburn Murray Water examine ditch bank stabilization treatments, near Tatura, Victoria.  A major source of entrained sediment, delivered in irrigation water is from erosion of water supply ditches.  Vegetation of ditches is hampered by the poor chemical and physical properties of exposed soil on the ditch bank.  Use of gypsum and topsoil aid vegetation best of the treatments tried (foreground), but is cost prohibitive.  PAM, possibly mixed with gypsum or other amendments, applied with seed via hydromulching is being considered as a new, possibly more cost effective bank stabilization and vegetation establishment-promoting technique.  Another possible avenue of sediment transport control could involve using PAM to flocculate and settle entrained sediments at key points along the distribution canal/ditch system.  The advantage of providing sediment free water to farmers is prevention of surface sealing and reduced infiltration on farm fields.  Where canal flows return to natural waters, lowering sediment loads will also reduce nutrient-, pesticide-, and direct sediment-effects on riparian resources and life forms.