General News
16 May, 2025
Check your dams to save water
REGULAR inspection, monitoring and maintenance of gully dams can reduce the risk of failure such as leaks and bank collapses.
Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Clem Sturmfels said stock damage, soil erosion, siltation and excessive vegetation growth can all contribute to the gradual deterioration of farm dams.
“A rapid rise in dam water levels following an extended dry period can also add to pressure on dam banks, spillways and pipelines,” he said.
“Gully dams fail regularly across Victoria due to poor or dry soils, poor construction and lack of maintenance.
“We estimate more than 20 per cent of gully dams in Victoria fail within a few years of being built.
“Regular inspection and monitoring of dams should be part of normal farming operations and is critical over the six to 12 months after an extended dry period as dams start to fill again.”
Mr Sturmfels encouraged landholders to carefully inspect and monitor their gully dams to pinpoint issues and act before the dam completely fails.
“Landholders need to focus mainly on the dam bank, looking for signs of bank reduction, cracking or tunneling,” he said.
Landholders are also advised to check for signs of seepage, softness or lush vegetation both at the dam bank and downstream.
Dam spillways should be free from debris and excessive vegetation, which can disrupt stability and capacity.
Water levels should be checked regularly for signs of leaks, with signs including unusual turbulence or whirlpools at the bank water line.
Dam banks should be stable, firm, free of soil erosion, have a well-rounded crest, have a good cover of topsoil and grass and have at least a metre of freeboard.
Banks should also be free of woody vegetation such as trees and shrubs.
Checks should be conducted around the inlet area of a dam to ensure there is plenty of grass, no soil erosion and the area is stable.
Landholders should also regularly inspect for stock and rabbit damage to dams.
“Reduce risks by having a reliable line of emergency communication and maintain emergency procedures so help can arrive if something goes wrong,” Mr Sturmfels said.
For more information on dam management visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/farmmanagement/water/managing-dams.
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