Farm dams need to be well maintained to avoid this scenario.FARM dams are collapsing at an unprecedented rate leading to renewed calls for land holders to check their water staorages.
Southern Rural Water has issued its third warning in the space of 12 months for landowners to check their dams.
General Manager Groundwater and Rivers Craig Parker said that across its region, Southern Rural Water has seen 26 dams collapse this year – more than the total for the previous six years.
“Landowners need to be even more vigilant that their dams are in good repair,” he said.
“Some of the causes of dam collapses that we have seen over the past few months have included vegetation being allowed to grow on the dam bank, stock walking on the bank, tunnelling by wombats and spillways being undersized or blocked.
“Many landowners didn’t pay much attention to maintaining their dams when we were going through the drought.
“Now that we’ve had 12 months of wetter weather, dams are full and the pressure is on.
“Some owners are finding out the hard way that they should have been more careful with their dam maintenance.”
A collapsed dam can cause significant damage to the environment, flooding to downstream properties and, as seen in several cases this year, can even cause damage to downstream dams.
“If your dam collapses and causes damage to someone else’s property, you are liable for the costs,” Mr Parker warned.
“You need to think very carefully about what would happen downstream if your dam collapses.
“Coming into winter, dam owners should consider operating the dam below its full level, allowing a buffer for winter and spring rains to be captured and released in a controlled way.
“With farm dams, it is ideal to run the dam below the spillway which should only operate during times of increased flow.”
Southern Rural Water recommends that landowners check their dams regularly as part of their weekly routine.
Advice about how to check dams is available on the Southern Rural Water website.
If anyone notices an issue with a property dam, Southern Rural Water advises them to immediately phone either Southern Rural Water or a qualified farm dam engineer.
“Our field officers also do routine checks on the condition of dams and will ask property owners to make improvements where necessary,” said Mr Parker.
For more information about farm dams, phone Southern Rural Water on 1300 139 510 or visit www.srw.com.au.
