Tag Archives: dam levels

Big Ditch Dam Building Company Solar panels for farm dams are the best way to stop 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 of valuable water are lost to evaporation, especially in hot, dry places like much of inland Australia.

a pond with rocks and trees

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 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.

a fountain in a pond with trees and grass

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 of agricultural water management.

Sydneys-Ambitious-Plan-to-Double-Water-Supply-through-Desalination

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 the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Australia is on the verge of experiencing its hottest summer on record in 2024, which is expected to heighten the risk of drought.

Unpredictable Drought Ravages NSW: A Farmer’s Tale of Struggle

The unpredictability of the drought wreaking havoc in NSW is a stark reminder of the tenacity and will of the Australian people.

Australia, a country renowned for its stark environmental issues and contrasted beauty, is once again facing the terrible power of nature. Currently, towns and farmers in the state of New South Wales (NSW) are struggling due to an unpredictable drought, which poses a severe threat. We go deep into this dilemma in this blog article, telling the moving story of a farmer struggling against the wrath of nature.

Polymer Innovations Watersave

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, including hydroelectric power production, drinking water supply, and irrigation.

However, dams are not immune to issues, and leakage is one of the most prevalent problems they face. While there are solutions available to address dam leakage, it’s essential to understand that Watersave, a polymer-based product known for its water retention capabilities, may not be the panacea for this particular challenge.

In this blog post, I’ll look at the complexities of dam leakage and why Watersave may not be the solution you’re looking for.

Rising Demand, Falling Dams: Australia’s Water Storage Crisis

Water is one of our planet’s most precious resources, and its availability plays a crucial role in sustaining life and supporting various activities. Australia, known for its vast and diverse landscapes, is no stranger to water scarcity challenges. In recent years, the country has been facing a concerning trend: declining dam levels accompanied by surging water usage. This blog post delves into the factors contributing to this issue, its implications, and potential solutions to address the water crisis.

Where Did The Water Go? 7 Things That Make A Dam Leak

Dams are impressive feats of engineering. Designed to store or divert water, they play a pivotal role in generating electricity, providing irrigation, controlling floods, and more.

However, like all man-made structures, dams are not impervious to wear and tear. Leaks are one of the major concerns when it comes to dam safety. A small leak, if unchecked, can escalate into a serious threat.

Here are seven reasons why a dam might leak…

DAM NEWS 4.0

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 South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria for over 35 years. Every farm dam built to the right standards — correct clay, proper compaction, adequate spillway — …

DAM NEWS 3.0

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 size, soil type, location and access. Big Ditch provides fixed-price quotes after a site inspection. Contact our team for an accurate estimate for your property. …

Rich man

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 tonne. that’s 5 litres for a cent” he said “Topsoil sets you back 10 times that and also you pay for delivery,” claimed Dr Tooth …

Federal Government Pushes For New Dam Building Across Australia

Federal Government Pushes For New Dam Building Across Australia States should ‘raise their fingers and do a little bit with us’ says Federal Water Minister David Littleproud New South Wales “has actually done a great deal of heavy lifting however other states have not” he said Littleproud has warned it will take a minimum of …

Kempsey Faces Growing Concerns Over Dam Water Supply

Kempsey Faces Growing Concerns Over Dam Water Supply Kempsey Shire Council water and sewer manager Wesley Trotter said Kempsey’s water supply now entirely reliant on rainfall About Big Ditch Big Ditch Dam Building Company builds and repairs farm dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Contact us for a site inspection. Big Ditch Dam Building Company …

Long-Range Forecasts Offer A Glimmer Of Summer Rainfall Hope

Long-Range Forecasts Offer A Glimmer Of Summer Rainfall Hope The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Climate and Water Briefing dated 22 October predicts a 50% chance of summer rain across NSW from November to January. However, rainfall is likely to be below average across most of the New South Wales for November. The drier outlook continues …

NSW Government Fast-Tracks New Dam Approvals As Drought Bites

Last updated: April 2026 | Author: Angus Hughson, Big Ditch Dam Building Company 📋 Quick Answer Australia faces recurring drought cycles, with inland NSW, QLD, and SA most severely affected. Farm dams are the most effective on-property drought response — providing water security independent of town supply or rainfall. Size your dam for 2–3 years …

Dam-it, that’s low!

Dam-it, thats low! . Dam levels across NSW hit record lows. It’s developing into a glass half empty situation with no rain in the long range weather forecast through to February 2020 About Big Ditch Big Ditch Dam Building Company builds and repairs farm dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Contact us for a site …

Dam design at Armidale

Dam design at Armidale A new 20,000,000 litre water security project for the ultra premium super-fine merino fleece producer in Australia and 3 time winner of the premium global Ermenegildo Zegna fine wool award. Zegna is unique in the men’s fashion world for owning 100% of its supply chain. Ermenegildo Zegna spins ultrafine merino wool …

NSW Drought Projects Score $50 Million In Government Funding

NSW Drought Projects Score $50 Million In Government Funding The State Government has reached into it’s pockets and pulled out $50 million for the current drought dilemma The NSW Government has decided to make it rain money to confront the state’s H2O crisis situation. The Minister for Water announced the $50m to target a number …

Summer Rainfall Harvesting: Maximise Every Drop Into Your Dam

Quick Answer: Maximising summer rainfall into your dam means keeping the catchment clear, maintaining inlet channels and diversion banks in good repair, and ensuring the spillway isn’t silted up before the wet season. A clean, well-shaped catchment can double the run-off into your dam compared to a neglected one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52Ak4VLu-2E Big Ditch’s ‘Catch Every Drop’ …

Dam for Josh Mcmillan avocado grower is completed

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 South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria for over 35 years. Every farm dam built to the right standards — correct clay, proper compaction, adequate spillway — …