Farm dams are designed to pool and retain water. As such, they reduce or prevent water flow downstream until they overflow.
This has led to restrictions on dam construction and debate over resource ownership and environmentally sustainable flows.
Dams have replaced wetlands and billabongs as permanent or semi-permanent sources of water. Farm dams can be designed and maintained to provide water for both our needs and those of native species.
How does it affect you and your catchment?
Due to the declining quality and quantity of both groundwater and surface water, some catchments have had their water use prescribed by the South Australian Government (restrictions on water use exist in prescribed areas).
In general, more water is stored underground than is found on the surface. Ensuring that groundwater reserves are recharged may provide a future source of potable water for longer than the use of surface storage.
For information about permits for dam placement and construction contact your local council and an officer of the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation.
Management Options
- Observe Local and State Government regulations when planning the placement and design of a dam.
- All dams to be built off watercourse or to have low flow bypass.
- Ensure that the run-off and stream water entering the dam and the spill-water is filtered through perennial vegetation or silt traps. This will minimise the impact on downstream aquatic environments also.
- Control livestock access to the dam reserve to minimise degradation.
- A wide variety of local plant species in and around the dam will improve its health. Do not plant on the dam wall as it may destabilise the wall.
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Acknowledgement
Special thanks to the Upper River Torrens Landcare Group for their assistance in preparing this material.