Category Archives: dam design

a pond with lily pads and a thatched roof house
Dam Building, dam design, Dam quality

Important Vegetation Management for Dams: What to Plant and What to Remove

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

As a dam builder with over 30 years in the industry, I have seen first-hand how vegetation can make or break the long-term safety, functionality, and environmental value of a dam.

Whether you’re managing a farm dam in New South Wales or a larger water storage elsewhere, the right approach to vegetation is essential for water quality, dam stability, biodiversity, and operational safety.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll outline the principles of vegetation management for dams, detail what to plant and what to remove, and share practical advice for dam owners seeking to optimise both ecological and engineering outcomes.

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a pond with a wooden bridge and grass
Dam Building, dam design

10 Ways to Select the Best Site for your Farm Dam

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Water is the most important thing for any farm, and a well-placed farm dam can keep your water safe for decades. I’ve been building and designing dams for more than 30 years, and I can tell you that choosing the right site is the most important thing you can do when building a new dam. If you pick the wrong site, it could cost you a lot of money, cause problems with upkeep, and even hurt the environment. On the other hand, a well-chosen site will give you reliable, high-quality water with little work on your part.

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Big Ditch Dam Building Company Solar panels for farm dams are the best way to stop evaporation
Dam Building, Australia Drought, dam design, Evaporation

Solar Panels for Farm Dams to Stop Evaporation

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Water is very important for farming. Farm dams are crucial for irrigation, cattle, and keeping rural communities alive in Australia and around the world.

But every year, millions of litres of valuable water are lost to evaporation, especially in hot, dry places like much of inland Australia.

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a man standing in a rain shower
Dam Building, dam design, Dam repair

Repairing Cracks and Seepage in Earth Dams

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Earth dams are vital for water storage, flood control, irrigation, and environmental management. However, their safety and longevity are continually threatened by cracks and seepage—issues that, if neglected, can escalate into catastrophic failure.

Drawing on over 30 years of award-winning dam engineering experience, this in-depth guide provides a comprehensive overview of diagnosing, repairing, and preventing cracks and seepage in earth dams, integrating proven field practices, modern materials, and the latest diagnostic technologies.

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a pond with rocks and trees
Dam Building, dam design, Evaporation

Preparing Your Dam for Drought or Heavy Rainfall: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

As an expert dam builder with over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with managing dams through extreme weather events.

Whether you’re a landholder with a farm dam or responsible for a larger water storage, preparing your dam for drought or heavy rainfall is essential for protecting your assets, ensuring water security, and safeguarding downstream communities. In this guide, we will help you learn how to prepare your dam effectively.

To effectively prepare your dam, understanding the specific risks associated with your location is key. Regularly assessing your dam’s condition will help you prepare your dam for changing weather patterns.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best practices, strategies, and maintenance routines to help your dam weather the extremes of drought and deluge.

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a fountain in a pond with trees and grass
Dam Building, dam design, Evaporation

How To Calculate the Right Size and Capacity for Your Farm Dam

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Calculating the right dam size and capacity for a farm dam requires balancing water demand, evaporation losses, catchment hydrology, and site-specific engineering factors. Here’s a systematic approach refined over decades of agricultural water management.

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a pond with grass and trees
Dam Building, Australia Drought, dam design, Dam quality

Key Design Considerations for New Farm Dams

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Farm dams are critical infrastructure for agricultural operations in NSW, providing essential water security for livestock, irrigation, and firefighting. Proper design requires balancing hydrological needs, structural integrity, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. From site selection to spillway engineering, every decision impacts long-term functionality. Implementing effective farm dams nsw is crucial for sustainable practices.

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a house on the water
Dam Building, dam design

How to Assess If You Need a Farm Dam on Your Property

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Australia’s rural landscape is dotted with farm dams—vital water reservoirs that underpin agricultural productivity and drought resilience.

But before you embark on the journey of building or upgrading a dam, a careful assessment is crucial.

This guide will walk you through the key considerations, calculations, and questions to determine whether a farm dam is the right investment for your property.

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a lake with trees in the background
Dam Building, dam design, Dam repair

Expert Guide to Expanding Your Farm Dam

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Expanding an existing farm dam is a major investment that can transform your property’s water security, productivity, and resilience.

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A man standing in front of a waterway with cows. Big Ditch Dam Building Company Regular maintenance inspections of farm dams
Dam Building, dam design, Dam repair

The Complete Handbook for Dam Maintenance

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

structured approach to maintenance. Drawing on three decades of hands-on experience and the latest best practices, this comprehensive guide breaks down what you should look for and do on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis to ensure your dam remains a reliable asset and a visual highlight on your property.

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How Much Water Are You Losing To Evaporation
Dam Building, dam design, Dam quality, Evaporation

How Much Water Is Your Dam Losing To Evaporation?

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Evaporation loss from farm dams in Australia is a great challenge to water security, ranging from 9% to 36% loss of total volume of water in summer. Reliable quantification and prediction of losses are complicated by numerous factors that include meteorology, dam shape, and inaccuracies in measurement. This paper explores the complexities of evaporation estimation, the limitations of current practice, and the potential for improvement through advanced modeling and abatement technologies like floating covers and windbreaks. Understanding these dynamics is essential to effectively manage water in Australia’s agricultural regions.

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