Learn about all aspects of dam building, dam design & dam repairs
(A comprehensive guide to dam construction for every Tom, Dick & Harriet)
Dam Building Dam repair
Polymer Innovations Legal Threats: Our Response to Carroll & O’Dea
In January 2019, Andrew Evans of Polymer Innovations contacted me and issued a series of threats about his intention to sue me for having an opinion on his company’s Water$ave ...
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Dam Building
How to choose the right dam builder in Australia
Choosing the right dam builder in Australia is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your property. I’ve built over 341 dams across New South Wales and the ...
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Dam Building
How to repair a leaking dam without draining it
How to repair a leaking dam without draining it Short answer: You can sometimes repair a leaking dam without draining it if the leak is small, the wall is stable, ...
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Dam Building
Farm dam evaporation — how much water are you actually losing?
Farm dam evaporation: how much water are you actually losing? I have built over 341 dams across NSW, and the one thing that surprises new dam owners is how fast ...
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Dam quality
How long does a farm dam last? And what affects its lifespan
Quick Answer: A well-designed, well-built earth farm dam typically lasts 30 to 50 years before it needs major rehabilitation, and some go longer. Poorly sited or rushed builds often fail ...
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Dam Building
How Big Is China’s $167 Billion Medog Dam? Scale, Cost, and What It Means for the Rest of Us
China's Medog Hydropower Station will be 3× the Three Gorges Dam and cost up to US$170 billion. Here's what the scale actually means — and why it matters beyond Tibet.
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Dam repair
Bentonite clay for dam sealing: how it works and when to use it
Quick Answer: Bentonite clay works for dam sealing when the dam is structurally sound and you’re dealing with general seepage through a permeable basin — not a piping leak through ...
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Dam repair
Why do dams leak? The 6 most common causes
Why do dams leak? In my 30 years building and repairing farm dams, I see the same 6 causes: poor compaction, bad clay, pipes, trees, burrows, and spills.
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Dam Building
Calcium Bentonite for Dam Sealing: Does It Work? (Watheroo Minerals Clay A Review)
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company Can calcium bentonite seal an earth dam or pond? Yes — calcium bentonite can effectively seal earth ...
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Dam Building Dam quality Dam repair
What Causes Odour in Ponds, Lakes and Dams? (And How to Fix It)
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company If your pond, lake or dam has started to smell, you are not alone. Foul odours coming ...
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Dam Building dam design
Building Farm Dams: An Expert’s Perspective on Design, Construction, and Sustainability
Building Farm Dams: An Expert’s Perspective on Design, Construction, and Sustainability
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Dam Building dam design Dam quality
Important Vegetation Management for Dams: What to Plant and What to Remove
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 ...
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Dam Building dam design
10 Ways to Select the Best Site for your Farm Dam
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 ...
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Dam Building Australia Drought dam design Evaporation
Solar Panels for Farm Dams to Stop Evaporation
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 ...
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Dam Building dam design Dam repair
Repairing Cracks and Seepage in Earth Dams
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 ...
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Dam Building dam design Evaporation
Prepare Your Dam for Droughts or Floods: Essential Tips
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 ...
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Dam Building dam design Evaporation
How To Calculate the Right Size and Capacity for Your Farm Dam
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 ...
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Dam Building Australia Drought dam design Dam quality
Key Design Considerations for New Farm Dams
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 ...
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Dam Building dam design
How to Assess If You Need a Farm Dam on Your Property
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, ...
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Dam Building dam design Dam repair
Expert Guide to Expanding Your Farm Dam
Expanding an existing farm dam is a major investment that can transform your property’s water security, productivity, and resilience.
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Dam Building Dam quality Dam repair
Preventive Measures: Recognizing Signs of Dam Cracks and Leaks
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, ...
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Dam Building dam design Dam repair
The Complete Handbook for Dam Maintenance
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 ...
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Australia Drought Dam Building Evaporation
How Floating Covers and Windbreaks Stop Evaporation In Your Dam
Evaporation can cause significant water loss from lakes, reservoirs, and farm dams, particularly during hot and windy conditions. Traditional water management methods are no longer sufficient. This has led to ...
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Dam repair
Inspection and Maintenance of Your Dam
Without regular checks and proper maintenance, even a well-built dam can fail—risking property damage, environmental harm, and public safety. A dam inspection helps owners spot early warning signs before they ...
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Australia Drought Dam Building Evaporation
Measuring Your Dam’s Surface Area for Evaporation Estimates
If you own or run a dam—whether it’s for irrigation, livestock, or just a big water feature in your yard—you need to know how much water you’re losing to evaporation. ...
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Dam Building dam design Dam quality Evaporation
How Much Water Is Your Dam Losing To Evaporation?
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 ...
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Dam Building
The Importance of Regulation Compliance in Dam Construction
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Why Professional Dam Building is Essential for Commercial Projects
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Commercial dam projects — irrigation storage, mining tailings, effluent treatment, or large stock water ...
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Dam Building
Top 5 Signs Your Dam Needs Refurbishment and How We Can Help
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Earth dam repair requires professional diagnosis before any repair work begins. The most common ...
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Dam Building
How To Ensure Your Dam Construction Meets All Regulatory Requirements
Natural swimming pools, praised for their eco-friendliness and aesthetic appeal, face challenges like maintenance complexity, higher initial costs, design and space limitations, water quality issues, climate dependency, and wildlife attraction. ...
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Dam Building
The 7 Problems With Natural Swimming Pools
Natural swimming pools, praised for their eco-friendliness and aesthetic appeal, face challenges like maintenance complexity, higher initial costs, design and space limitations, water quality issues, climate dependency, and wildlife attraction. ...
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Dam Building
Which States of Australia are Most Likely to be Affected by Drought?
Australia grapples with recurrent droughts, impacting states differently due to factors like climate patterns, rainfall, temperature, and agricultural methods. Despite its diverse landscapes and wildlife, the nation faces significant drought ...
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Dam Building
How Heatwaves, Droughts, Wildfires, and Floods Are Made Worse by Climate Change
The article discusses how climate change exacerbates heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and floods. Rising temperatures, altered jet streams, feedback loops, and urban heat islands intensify heatwaves. Changes in precipitation patterns, evaporation ...
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Dam Building
New Research Reveals Environmental Threats Posed by Mine Tailings in Protected Areas
New research from the University of Queensland reveals that a significant portion of the world's mine tailings, about one-third, poses environmental threats to protected areas. Led by Bora Aska, the ...
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Dam Building
What Are the 15 Types of Dams?
Dams, the silent giants of engineering, stand tall, serving specific purposes across the globe. These crucial structures, designed for water resource management, flood control, and power generation, come in various ...
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Dam Building
Debunking the Effectiveness of Superabsorbent Polymers in Dam Repairs
In the world of dam repairs, superabsorbent polymers have their place but are far from being a universal solution. Dams play a crucial role in water security management, providing water ...
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Dam Building
NSW Drought Is Broken by Recent Rainfall
Farmers in New South Wales (NSW) experiencing drought have finally experienced a respite in the form of drought-breaking rainfall, in a much-anticipated turn of events. This week's storms that pounded ...
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Dam Building
The Role of Earth Dams in Flood Control and Disaster Management
Earth dams are versatile structures that serve a multifaceted role in flood control and disaster management. Floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters that can wreak havoc on ...
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Dam Building
Sydney’s Ambitious Plan to Double Water Supply through Desalination
The New South Wales (NSW) Government is setting its sights on doubling the water supply from Sydney's $2 billion desalination plant to counteract the anticipated rise in temperatures. According to ...
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Dam Building
What Causes a Lack of Rainfall? Understanding the Factors Behind Dry Spells
The factors contributing to a lack of rainfall are multifaceted and interconnected. Rainfall is a vital component of Earth's natural water cycle and plays a crucial role in supporting life, ...
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Dam Building
Decoding Polymer Innovations’ Advertising Strategies for Water$ave
Polymer Innovations' advertising of Water$ave may present an appealing solution to the pressing issue of dam leakage. But, before purchasing the product, it's imperative to investigate it thoroughly and treat ...
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Dam Building
Australians are ‘Sitting Ducks’ when it comes to Droughts
Australia's population growth, combined with the shortage of dams and other water infrastructure, has left the country vulnerable to the devastating impacts of droughts. Australia, known for its vast landscapes, ...
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Dam Building
Removing Weeds from a Farm Dam: A Comprehensive Guide
Removing weeds from your farm dam is essential for the overall health and productivity of your agricultural operation. Farm dams are vital resources for agricultural purposes, providing water for livestock, ...
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Dam Building
Solving Low Rainfall: Strategies for Water Scarcity Mitigation
Low rainfall or drought is a pressing concern in many regions across the world, leading to water scarcity, crop failures, and environmental challenges. Climate change and natural variability have exacerbated ...
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Dam Building
Earth Dam Geology: Site Selection and Assessment
Earth dam geology is a critical factor in the successful construction and performance of these essential structures. Earth dams, also known as earthen embankments or levees, are important for water ...
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Dam Building
How to Prevent Dam Siltation: Strategies and Solutions
Preventing and mitigating dam siltation is essential to ensure the long-term effectiveness of these vital infrastructure projects. Dams are critical infrastructure that provides a range of benefits, from water supply ...
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Dam Building
Surviving with less water
Surviving with less water is a skill that can be valuable in various situations, from dealing with water scarcity in everyday life to emergency scenarios in the wild. Water is ...
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Dam Building
How Dams Reduce the Impact of Floods and Fires
Dams are essential components of our infrastructure that play a pivotal role in reducing the impact of floods and wildfires. Natural disasters such as floods and wildfires can wreak havoc ...
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Dam Building
Drought ‘already here’, Australia has driest three months ever
Australia is currently grappling with unprecedented dry conditions, with the past three months marking the driest quarter in the nation's recorded history. According to the latest findings from the Bureau ...
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Dam Building
Does Polymer Innovations dam sealing product ‘Watersave’ work?
In evaluating the effectiveness of dam sealing products, it's crucial to navigate through a complex array of factors, including product composition, application methods, environmental impact, and long-term performance. The industry ...
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Dam Building
BHP pays out over Brazil dam disaster
BHP, the world’s largest mining group, has said publicly for the first time that it wants to reach a final settlement over a dam disaster in Brazil worth potentially tens ...
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Dam Building
The Politics of Dam Development
The construction of dams has long been a political chess piece in the development agendas of nations worldwide. The narrative that dams represent progress is deeply embedded in the political ...
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Dam Building
Why Watersave Won’t Stop Your Dam from Leaking
Water is one of our planet's most valuable resources, and managing it effectively is crucial. Dams play a significant role in water management, storing water for a variety of uses, ...
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Dam Building
Queensland dams dry up
Rural communities in Queensland are grappling with a dire water crisis as dams and groundwater sources continue to dry up, leaving desperate farmers facing a bleak forecast for November.
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Dam Building
The 10 Worst Dam Disasters in History
Dams are engineering marvels that have played a significant role in shaping the world we live in today. They provide essential services such as water supply, electricity generation, and flood ...
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Dam Building
What is Static Liquefaction, and How Could It Affect Your Dam?
Dams are vital infrastructure that serve various purposes, from providing water supply and flood control to generating hydroelectric power. Ensuring the stability and safety of dams is of utmost importance ...
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Dam Building
Warragamba Dam Wall Expansion is Abandoned
In a significant victory for indigenous custodians and environmental advocates, plans to raise the wall of the Warragamba Dam in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, have been officially scrapped. This ...
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Dam Building
12 Tips to Navigating Australia’s Perilous Water Future
Australia is a land of stark beauty, known for its diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities. However, beneath this captivating exterior lies a pressing issue that threatens the nation's ...
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Dam Building
Farm Dams May Be Carbon Sinks, Rather Than Emitters
Farmers and environmentalists alike have long been concerned about the environmental impact of farm dams, especially regarding their potential to release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Recent studies, however, have ...
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Dam Building
Super Absorbent Polymers: Production, Chemicals, and Environmental Consequences
Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) are remarkable materials with the ability to absorb and retain large amounts of liquid relative to their own mass. They have found a wide range of ...
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Dam Building
Unmasking Polymer Innovations: The Dark Side of ‘Watersave’
Polymer Innovations, the company behind the product 'Watersave,' has gained a reputation in recent years for its questionable business practices and the divisive nature of its flagship product. In this ...
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Dam Building
Sydney’s Future Water Security
During the last El Niño event in Australia, major cities like Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne faced significant water supply challenges. Now, with three wet La Niña years behind us, ...
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Dam Building
A Comprehensive Guide to Enlarging a Farm Dam in 6 Steps
The decision to expand an existing farm dam is a significant step in the strategic development of agricultural resources. Whether the goal is to increase water capacity for irrigation, improve ...
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Dam Building
10 things To Look For When Choosing a Dam Builder: A Comprehensive Guide
Earth dams are essential structures that play a crucial role in managing water resources, preventing floods, and providing a sustainable source of water for various purposes. Building a robust earth ...
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Dam Building
Water Treatment Solutions for Farm Dams
How do golf courses keep their water features so clean? You can apply the same water treatment solutions to your farm dam Water is the lifeblood of any farm, and ...
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Dam Building
Why Do Dams Leak? Understanding the Factors Behind Dam Leakage
One common issue that has plagued dams over the years is leakage. Dam leakage occurs when water seeps through or around the dam structure, potentially compromising its stability and safety. ...
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Dam Building
8 Reasons Trees on Dam Walls Are Bad for Your Dam
Trees are often celebrated for their role in promoting environmental health, providing oxygen, and offering habitats for various species. However, when it comes to trees growing on dam walls, the ...
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Dam Building
Dam Liners: 6 Reasons They Do More Harm Than Good
While liners for dams are sometimes viewed as a solution to seepage and environmental concerns, they come with a host of disadvantages and challenges.
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Dam Building
Inside The World’s Ten Biggest Dams: Scale, Power And Engineering
The ten largest dams in the world showcase the remarkable achievements of engineering and the importance of water management in modern society. Dams are engineering marvels that have been vital ...
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Dam Building
Australia’s Top 10 Largest Dams
Australia's vast and diverse landscape is dotted with numerous dams that serve essential functions in water supply, agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and more. Australia is a vast and diverse country, ...
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Dam Building
How Many Farm Dams Are There in Australia?
Australia, known for its vast landscapes and unique wildlife, is also a global agricultural powerhouse. Behind the scenes of this agricultural success story lies an essential, often overlooked feature: farm ...
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Dam Building
Why Polymer Sealers Are Not The Solution To A Leaking Dam
Note: Polymer Innovations have twice threatened to sue me for defamation because I write about my long experience with their disappointed customers and their products. You can read about their ...
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Dam Building
7 Ways To Create a Natural Pool
Imagine having a pristine, inviting oasis in your own backyard, where crystal-clear waters shimmer under the sun, and native plants thrive harmoniously with aquatic life. You don't have to dream ...
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Dam Building
8 Things To Do To Repair a Breached Earth Dam Wall
Earth dams play a vital role in water management, agriculture, and environmental conservation. These structures, however, are not immune to breaches, which can lead to devastating consequences. Repairing a breached ...
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Dam Building
Why Trees Are Bad for Dams
Dams are critical infrastructure that serves various purposes, from flood control to electricity generation and water supply. While dams are engineering marvels designed to withstand nature's forces, there's an unlikely ...
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Dam Building
Evaporation Balls: What Are They And How Do They Work
In an era marked by climate change and water scarcity, innovative solutions are essential to address the looming challenges. Among the many technological advances geared towards water conservation, one stands ...
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Dam Building
Farming And Water Sustainability: The Case For Well-Built Earth Dams
Earth dams on farms represent the age-old human endeavour to harness nature for sustenance. Farming has always been at the intersection of human ingenuity and nature's bounty. With the ever-growing ...
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Dam Building
Measuring The Ecological Footprint Of Earth Dam Construction
When one envisions the massive structures that hold back water, allowing for electricity generation, agricultural irrigation, and even recreation, the immense benefits of dams come into focus. Specifically, earth dams, ...
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Dam Building
Avoid These 10 Costly Dam Construction Mistakes
Dams are marvels of engineering. They provide a myriad of benefits like water storage, electricity generation, flood control, and even recreational opportunities. However, the construction of a dam is a ...
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Dam Building
Why Dam Depth Matters: 10 Key Reasons Every Landowner Should Know
Dams, those colossal structures that alter the flow of rivers, have been pivotal in human civilization's progress. They have been employed for numerous reasons – water supply, electricity generation, flood ...
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Dam Building
Drought-Proofing Your Property: 10 Ways To Stay Ahead Of The Dry
Climate change is causing shifts in weather patterns worldwide, leading to more frequent and severe droughts in various regions. These prolonged dry spells can have devastating consequences for agriculture, water ...
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Dam Building
8 Steps to Secure Water Storage for Droughts
Water is an essential resource for life, and its scarcity during droughts can pose significant challenges to communities and individuals alike. To ensure water security in times of drought, having ...
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Dam Building
Not Ready For A Dam? Three Other Water Storage Options
As the global population grows and the demand for water and energy increases, the construction of dams has often been seen as a solution. Dams serve several purposes - from ...
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Dam Building
Beating Water Hyacinth: 6 Proven Control Methods For Farm Dams
While its purple flowers are undeniably beautiful, the rapid growth and spread of this invasive plant can wreak havoc on dams and other water bodies. It impedes water flow, reduces ...
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Dam Building
Clay Selection For Dam Sealing: Picking The Right Material First Time
Constructing a dam is no small feat, and one of the most critical steps in ensuring its effectiveness is proper sealing. Dams, especially earthen ones, require an impervious barrier to ...
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Dam Building
The Role of Farm Dams in Managing Runoff and Stormwater on Farms
In the world of agriculture, the management of water resources is synonymous with the heartbeat of life itself. The inherent value of water is recognized universally, but perhaps nowhere is ...
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Dam Building
Secure Your Family’s Water Future In 8 Practical Steps
Water is the most essential resource we need to survive. With increasing global challenges, such as changing weather patterns, growing populations, and depleting resources, water security has become a critical ...
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Dam Building
Achieving Crystal-Clear Water In Your Farm Dam
Maintaining the water quality in your dam is crucial to ensure its functionality and the overall health of the ecosystem it supports. The quest for clear water in your dam ...
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Dam Building
Hugelkultur: Harnessing Nature’s Wisdom for Permaculture Success
In the realm of sustainable and regenerative farming practices, Hugelkultur stands out as an innovative and effective technique. Rooted in centuries-old wisdom, Hugelkultur is a method that utilizes wood and ...
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Dam Building
Stopping Erosion In Its Tracks: 10 Farm Dam Protection Tips
Farm dams are vital for irrigation, livestock watering, and flood control in rural areas, but they require erosion control. Without proper erosion control measures, these essential water bodies can become ...
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Dam Building
Cut Evaporation Losses: 8 Strategies Every Dam Owner Needs
Dams play a critical role in water resource management, providing water for irrigation, drinking, power generation, and other essential needs. However, one of the major challenges dams face is evaporation, ...
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Dam Building
Climate-Proof Your Dam: 10 Adaptation Strategies For A Changing World
As the global climate continues to evolve, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are on the rise. This presents a pressing need to reevaluate and adapt critical infrastructure ...
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Dam Building
Water-Wise Farming: 10 Practical Steps To Secure Your Supply
In an era of growing water scarcity and climate change, adopting water-wise farming practices has become more critical than ever. Water-wise farming not only ensures the sustainability of agricultural operations ...
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Dam Building
Permaculture Meets Earth Dams: 10 Design Principles That Work
As concerns about environmental sustainability continue to grow, the need for innovative and eco-conscious engineering practices becomes more evident. One area that holds tremendous potential for incorporating sustainable principles is ...
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Dam Building
Water Is The New Oil: 5 Reasons Scarcity Will Drive Value
Water, often taken for granted as a readily available resource, is facing unprecedented challenges in today's world. Just as Peak Oil has played a pivotal role in shaping economies and ...
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Dam Building
Building Water Resilience: Farm Dams As Emergency Preparedness Infrastructure
In an ever-changing world, where climate uncertainties and unexpected challenges can disrupt the regular flow of resources, being prepared for emergencies is crucial for the sustainability of agricultural operations. One ...
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Dam Building
Solar-Powered Farm Dams: Combining Clean Energy With Water Storage
As the world seeks sustainable solutions to address the pressing challenges of climate change and energy consumption, innovative approaches that marry traditional agricultural practices with renewable energy sources are gaining ...
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Dam Building
Sediment Trapping By Design: Building Dams That Improve Water Quality
Farm dams play a critical role in agricultural landscapes, serving as reservoirs for irrigation, stock watering, and other agricultural needs. However, these dams also offer a unique opportunity to improve ...
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Dam Building
How Farm Dams Support Biodiversity On Rural Properties
In the face of increasing global environmental challenges, the conservation of biodiversity has become more critical than ever before. While agricultural practices have often been associated with negative impacts on ...
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Dam Building
Building A Dam On Rock: Strategies For Tough Terrain
In farming communities, the construction of farm dams plays a crucial role in managing water resources, especially in regions with limited access to natural water bodies. However, building a farm ...
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Dam Building
Regular Farm Dam Inspections: A Checklist For Structural Safety
Farm dams are essential water storage structures that play a crucial role in agricultural operations. They provide water for irrigation, livestock, and other farming needs. However, as with any man-made ...
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Dam Building
Farm Dam Aquaculture: Adding Fish Production To Your Water Storage
As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food production escalates, putting pressure on traditional farming practices. In the pursuit of sustainable and efficient food production, integrating aquaculture ...
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Dam Building
Managing Vegetation Around Farm Dams Without Harming The Ecosystem
Farm dams are essential to agricultural operations because they provide water for animals, irrigation, and other farming activities. However, over time, these water bodies can become susceptible to excessive vegetation ...
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Dam Building
Hillside Dam Construction: Achieving Stability On Sloping Ground
Farm dams are essential water storage structures for agricultural operations, providing a reliable supply of water for irrigation, livestock, and domestic needs. Constructing a farm dam on sloping terrain presents ...
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Dam Building
Why Farm Dams Are An Environmental Asset On Small Properties
In recent years, the impact of agriculture on the environment has become a growing concern. As the global population increases, so does the demand for food production, which places significant ...
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Dam Building
Geomembrane-Lined Farm Dams: Better Sealing For Better Storage
Agriculture is the backbone of many economies, and effective water management plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of agricultural endeavors. In regions where water is scarce or irregularly ...
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Dam Building
Giving Old Dams New Life: Rehabilitation And Repair Methods
Farm dams play a crucial role in the agricultural landscape, providing essential water storage for irrigation, livestock, and other farming activities. Over time, these structures may deteriorate due to various ...
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Dam Building
Farm Dam Seepage Control: Techniques and Best Practices
Farm dams are vital for agricultural operations, providing water storage for irrigation, livestock, and other farming activities. However, seepage, the leakage of water through dam structures, can lead to significant ...
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Dam Building
Getting The Hydrology Right Before You Build A Farm Dam
Farm dams play a vital role in modern agriculture, providing a reliable and sustainable water supply for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use. However, constructing a farm dam requires careful planning ...
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Dam Building
Spillway Design For Farm Dams: Getting Controlled Overflow Right
Farm dams play a vital role in agricultural practices, serving as a reliable water source for irrigation, livestock, and general farm operations. However, heavy rainfall or excessive water accumulation can ...
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Dam Building
Small Farm Rainwater Harvesting: Getting The Most From Every Storm
Water scarcity is a growing concern for farmers, especially those operating on small farms. In such scenarios, every drop of water counts, and implementing effective rainwater harvesting techniques becomes crucial. ...
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Dam Building
Keep Your Dam Standing: Maintenance Practices That Extend Its Life
Farm dams play a crucial role in agricultural operations, providing water storage for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use. However, like any other infrastructure, they require regular maintenance to ensure their ...
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Dam Building
Solving The Toughest Problems In Farm Dam Construction
Farm dams are vital for agricultural operations, serving as a valuable water source for irrigation, livestock, and various farm activities. However, constructing a farm dam can be a complex endeavor, ...
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Dam Building
How Farm Dams Support Reliable Irrigation On Small Properties
For small-scale farmers, ensuring a reliable water supply is crucial for successful agriculture. In regions with irregular rainfall patterns or limited access to natural water sources, farm dams play a ...
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Dam Building
Water Requirements For Building A Farm Dam: What You Need To Know
Farm dams are essential to agricultural operations because they offer a dependable and sustainable water source for livestock, irrigation, and other farming tasks. Water requirements are an important issue when ...
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Dam Building
Structural Integrity Checks: Keeping Your Farm Dam Safe And Sound
Farm dams are essential for agricultural operations, providing water for irrigation, livestock, and various farm activities. However, ensuring the structural integrity of these dams is crucial to prevent catastrophic failures ...
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Dam Building
Beginner’s Guide to Building a Farm Dam on Your Property
Building a farm dam on your property can provide valuable water resources for irrigation, livestock watering, and other agricultural needs. While it may seem like a daunting task, with proper ...
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Dam Building
Farm Dam Construction: Planning and Design Considerations
Building a farm dam is a crucial step for small-scale farmers looking to secure a reliable water supply for irrigation, livestock watering, and other agricultural needs. However, successful dam construction ...
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Dam Building
Why Farm Dams Matter For Small-Scale Growers And Graziers
In the world of small-scale agriculture, where every resource is precious, farm dams play a vital role in ensuring the success and sustainability of the operations. These man-made reservoirs hold ...
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Dam Building
About Big Ditch: Australia’s Earth Dam Specialists
Big Ditch Dam Building Company has established itself as a frontrunner in the field of dam construction. With its unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, superior project management, and a strong ...
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Dam Building
Fascinating Water Resource Facts Every Australian Should Know
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company Quick Answer: Water is the most unevenly distributed resource on Earth — around 75% of global freshwater ...
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Dam Building
Managed Flooding: Engineering Environmental Flows For Healthier Rivers
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Disappearing Water: Australia’s Inland Systems Under Threat
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Australia’s Water Problem: Where Things Stand And What Comes Next
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Strange Weather Patterns And What They Mean For Water Security
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
River Regulation And Its Impact On Riparian Ecosystems
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Restoring Australian Rivers: Progress, Challenges And What Works
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
When Bigger Isn’t Better: Environmental Costs Of Gigalitre Super Dams
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
How Dams Help Communities Adapt To A Shifting Climate
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Climate Change And Its Toll On Australia’s Freshwater Ecosystems
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Australia’s Climate Challenge: What It Means For Water And Land
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
A Beginner’s Guide To Building Your First Earth Dam
Quick Answer: Building an earth dam starts with getting the soil right — you need non-dispersive clay with a Plasticity Index above 15, compacted in 150 mm lifts to 95% ...
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Dam Building
Dam Evaporation Management: The Complete Breakdown
From ineffective design to poor dam maintenance, there are many factors that can lead to high rates of dam evaporation. It’s not a secret that the effect of climate change ...
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Dam Building
Step-By-Step: Designing And Testing Filters For Dam Embankments
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Lab Testing Dam Filters: How Particle Retention Trials Work
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
How Foundation Filters Protect Embankment Dam Integrity
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Practical Uses Of Drainpipes And Filters In Dam Construction
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Embankment Dam Filters: A Primer On Reducing Evaporation Loss
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Evaporation is the largest source of water loss from Australian farm dams — often ...
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Dam Building
4 Best Methods to Estimate Evaporation Levels in Semi-Arid Areas
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Evaporation is the largest source of water loss from Australian farm dams — often ...
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Dam Building
Your Complete Guide To Choosing Aquatic Plants For Dams And Ponds
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
How Breach Mechanics Determine Whether A Dam Stands Or Falls
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Understanding Breach Mechanics: Theory And Practical Development
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
How Air-Bubble Plumes Keep Farm Dam Water Healthy
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
EVAPCO Shade Balls: A Simple Fix For Dam Evaporation
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Evaporation is the largest source of water loss from Australian farm dams — often ...
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Dam Building
Sealing A Leaky Dam With Bentonite: Step-By-Step Guide
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Earth dam repair requires professional diagnosis before any repair work begins. The most common ...
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Dam Building
Soil Permeability And Seepage: What It Means For Your Dam
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Earth dam repair requires professional diagnosis before any repair work begins. The most common ...
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Dam Building
Nature-Inspired Solutions For Dam Evaporation Control
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Evaporation is the largest source of water loss from Australian farm dams — often ...
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Dam Building
Do You Really Need Evaporation Management On Your Dam?
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Evaporation is the largest source of water loss from Australian farm dams — often ...
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Dam Building
Keeping Birds Off Your Dam: Effective Deterrent Systems
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Fixing Dam Leaks: Risk Assessment, Repairs And Talking To Clients
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Earth dam repair requires professional diagnosis before any repair work begins. The most common ...
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Dam Building
Dam Covers That Actually Work: Cutting Evaporation Losses
Quick Answer: Floating geomembrane dam covers reduce evaporation by 70–90% on the covered surface. On a typical NSW farm dam losing 1,500–2,000 mm per year to evaporation, a well-fitted cover ...
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Dam Building
An Autumn Transformation: Seasonal Beauty At The Dam
An Autumn Transformation: Seasonal Beauty At The Dam “I think I have known Autumn too long” – E.E.Cummings American poet, painter, essayist, author, and playwright. He wrote approximately 2,900 poems, ...
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Dam Building
A Dam Fine Result: Our Crescent Head Showcase Build
A Dam Fine Result: Our Crescent Head Showcase Build Sometimes, you just look up and have to be amazed. The big fella upstairs doing some afternoon painting with clouds over ...
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Dam Building
Razorback Day 5: Wrapping Up A Tough Dam Repair
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Earth dam repair requires professional diagnosis before any repair work begins. The most common ...
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Dam Building
Traditional Dam Building Techniques Still Getting The Job Done
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company While the dam building is not new and its roots can be traced back to 4th- 3d ...
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Dam Building
Sealing Razorback Dam: Stopping The Leaks For Good
The Razorback Dam Seal works in progress. Day 3. Shake & bake. The false land bridge is rolled back on the leaking wall and Bentonite layers 1 & 2 go ...
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Dam Building
Razorback Day 2: Tackling The Leak And Turning Things Around
Razorback Day 2: Tackling The Leak And Turning Things Around Previous part Prepping the wedge wall through the middle of the existing dam as a solution for a leaking dam. ...
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Dam Building
Sizing Your Dam Right: A Practical Guide To Capacity Planning
When you want to calculate how big your dam should be - use this simple formula. 4 units of storage for every 1 unit of required water
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Dam Building
Bringing An Old Dam Back To Life: A Refurbishment Case Study
The Parry Project at Kendall NSW was a refurbishment of a 10 year old leaky dam that refused to hold any water for longer than a few weeks. The result ...
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Dam Building
Joining Dams? Don’t. Here’s Why
Is it a good idea to create a new dam around a small existing dam? Long story short, the answer is no - because dams need separation from each other. ...
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Dam Building
Herons Creek Dam No.4: Delivering Water Security On The Mid North Coast
The afternoon sun framing Overflow Dam No.4 behind Dam No.2 @ the Herons Creek Project. Completed 19 March 2020
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Dam Building
Infinity Dams: Where Stunning Design Meets Water Storage
Infinity dams are modelled on infinity pools that you find in the most expensive resort hotels around the world - and these dams are our speciality
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Dam Building
From Functional To Stunning: A Complete Dam Makeover
This is the Arvidson No.2 Dam at Kundabung – and it is a refurbishment of an old dam that was finished in early 2019. Taking into account that the dam ...
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Dam Building
Arvidson Dam: A Solid Build On Challenging Country
The Arvidson Dam @ Kundabung NSW was constructed in early 2019, the dam sat empty for close on 12 months. The Arvidson Dam transformation Over a period of two weeks ...
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Dam Building
Managing Overtopping: Controlled Overflow Techniques For Earth Dams
Dam overtopping can be non-destructive if the dam wall is designed with gentle rollover characteristics, so the flow over the wall doesn't dig into the wall and cause wall collapse
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Dam Building
Roy Hill Project: Delivering A Major Dam In Mining Country
Roy Hill Project: Delivering A Major Dam In Mining Country Gina Rinehart’s $10 billion Roy Hill mine in Karratha WA is Australia’s largest iron ore mine – and Ms. Rinehart ...
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Dam Building
Dam News Roundup: Water Levels And Updates For 18 January 2020
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Weekly Dam Level Report: What Changed By 15 January 2020
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company Frequently Asked Questions How much does a farm dam cost in Australia? Costs vary based on dam ...
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Dam Building
All The Week’s Dam News
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company Frequently Asked Questions How much does a farm dam cost in Australia? Costs vary based on dam ...
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Dam Building
When The Heat Hits: Why Australia’s Dams Are Under Pressure
When The Heat Hits: Why Australias Dams Are Under Pressure Australia’s horrible beginning to the 2020/21 summer season seems like it will worsen, after the nation’s worst start to a ...
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Dam Building
Finding The Sweet Spot: Calculating The Right Depth For Your Dam
Quick Answer: The ideal farm dam depth balances volume, evaporation loss, soil conditions, and construction cost. For most NSW and QLD farm dams, 3–5 metres of working depth is the ...
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Dam Building
Sydney Dam Contamination: The Metal Sludge Pollution Problem
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company A metal sludge-like layer is infecting two dams that provide water for showering and drinking in Sydney ...
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Dam Building
No Relief In Sight: Dam Storage Levels Keep Dropping
No Relief In Sight: Dam Storage Levels Keep Dropping On 2 December 2019, the rural dam levels in NSW averaged 28.2%. This was a decrease of 0.7% since last week. ...
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Dam Building
Sienna Grange: A Showcase Dam Build From Start To Finish
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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Dam Building
Let’s Talk Dirty
The best clay for sealing a dam is white clay because it will create a permanent seal. Avoid using red clay, because it is dispersive, and it ill let water ...
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Dam Building
Garden Watering Becoming A Luxury For Sydney’s Rich
Garden Watering Becoming A Luxury For Sydneys Rich “Water in NSW is too cheap” claimed economist Richard Tooth, talking about Sydney Water’s most recent pricing proposals. “Water costs $2 a ...
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Dam Building
A Premium Dam Transformation: Luxury Meets Function
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company Design concepts for the dam refurbishment & rehabilitation at Robert Oatley Olives. Robert Oatley was one of ...
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Dam Building
Modern Dam Design: Balancing Innovation With Reliable Water Security
Quick Answer: Modern dam design combines proven earthworks engineering with water-smart features: deep storage to reduce evaporation, reinforced spillways, aquatic planting for bank stabilisation, and covers where evaporation is critical. ...
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Dam Building
Government Doesn’t Give A Dam
Government Doesnt Give A Dam ‘Dam-avoidance’ has penetrated practically every level of Australian Government. No big new water storage’s have been built for years. Since 1990, the population of Australia ...
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Dam Building
Rapid Decline: Dam Levels Drying Out At Alarming Speed
Rapid Decline: Dam Levels Drying Out At Alarming Speed The total active storage in rural dams on 18 November 2019 was 29.6%. This was a decrease of 0.7% since last ...
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Dam Building
NSW Farm Dam Water Levels Still Falling With No Reprieve
NSW Farm Dam Water Levels Still Falling With No Reprieve The total active storage percentage of rural water supplies in NSW dams on 11 November 2019 was 30.3%. This was ...
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Dam Building
What Is Dead Storage And Why Does It Matter For Your Dam?
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company Frequently Asked Questions How much does it cost to dead storage and why does it matter for ...
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Dam Building
Turn Your Farm Dam Into A Natural Swimming Pool
Quick Answer: A farm dam can become a natural swimming pool by managing water quality, controlling algae, fencing stock access, and establishing aquatic plantings to filter the water. The result ...
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Dam Building
Josh McMillan’s Large Dam Build: Project Complete And Holding Water
Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Big Ditch Dam Building Company has been constructing and repairing farm dams across New ...
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