Category Archives: Dam quality

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 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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Big Ditch Dam Building Company How to Identify Early Signs of Cracks or Leaks in Earth Dams During Routine Checks
Dam Building, Dam quality, Dam repair

Preventive Measures: Recognizing Signs of Dam Cracks and Leaks

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Maintaining the integrity of an earth dam is a critical responsibility for any dam owner or operator. Early detection of cracks or leaks can prevent catastrophic failures, safeguard downstream communities, and protect valuable water resources. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in earth dam construction and maintenance, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps, signs, and best practices for identifying early warning signs of structural distress during routine inspections.

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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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