Big Ditch Dam Building Company Regular maintenance inspections of farm dams

Keeping your dam functional and beautiful over the years requires a proactive, 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.

Why Regular Dam Maintenance Matters

A dam is not a “set and forget” structure. Its ongoing health affects water security, property value, environmental quality, and safety. Regular inspections and timely maintenance help you:

Detect and address minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs or failures 1 4.
Maintain water quality and storage capacity 1 2.
Preserve the dam’s structural integrity and safety 5 11.
Enhance the dam’s appearance and ecological value 2 5.

Weekly Tasks

1. Visual Inspections

Walk the dam crest, embankments, and spillway. Look for cracks, slumping, erosion, animal burrows, and any signs of water seepage or leaks 1 7 9.
Check for patches of unusually green grass below the dam wall, which may indicate seepage 1.
Ensure the dam wall and spillway are free from debris, logs, or other obstructions 5 9.

2. Vegetation Management

Mow or slash grass on the dam wall and spillway to maintain a dense, low cover. This allows easy inspection and prevents erosion 5 7.
Remove any new tree or shrub seedlings from the wall and spillway. Deep-rooted plants can cause seepage and structural weakness 5 9.
Check for and remove invasive weeds or aquatic plants that may be encroaching on the water or structure 2 7.

3. Infrastructure Check

Inspect valves, gates, and pipes for leaks or blockages. Ensure they are operating smoothly 7 9.
Confirm that fencing around the dam is intact to prevent stock access, which can cause erosion and water contamination 5 7.

4. Wildlife and Safety

Look for signs of animal burrows, particularly rabbits, which can undermine the dam wall. Fill and compact any holes with clay-based material 1 5.
Ensure safety signage is visible and access points are secure, especially if children or visitors are present 5.

Monthly Tasks

1. Detailed Structural Inspection

Examine the dam wall for any new or expanding cracks, slumping, or erosion. Pay particular attention after heavy rain events 1 11.
Check the crest for potholes or unevenness and repair as needed to maintain a level surface 7.
Inspect the downstream toe for wet spots or seepage, which could indicate internal erosion 1 11.

2. Spillway and Outlet Maintenance

Ensure the spillway is clear of vegetation, debris, and sediment. The spillway should have a healthy grass cover but be free of woody plants 5 7.
Test the operation of valves and gates. Lubricate moving parts and repair any leaks or sticking mechanisms 7 9.

3. Water Quality Management

Monitor water clarity and color. Turbidity can signal erosion or nutrient runoff 2.
Consider adding beneficial bacteria to break down organic matter and reduce muddy bottoms, and use pond dye if desired to enhance appearance and limit algae growth 2.
Remove excess aquatic weeds and algae as needed 2 7.

4. Perimeter and Catchment Care

Walk the dam catchment area to ensure groundcover is healthy. Bare patches should be topdressed, watered, and fertilized to prevent erosion and siltation 5.
Check fencing and access tracks for damage or erosion, making repairs as necessary 5 7.

5. Record Keeping

Maintain a logbook of all inspections, findings, and maintenance actions. This helps track emerging issues and demonstrates due diligence 4 8 10.

Yearly Tasks

1. Comprehensive Dam Assessment

Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire dam structure, ideally with a professional if possible. This includes the dam wall, crest, spillway, outlet works, and abutments 3 4 8.
Review the freeboard (the vertical distance between the full supply level and the top of the wall). There should be at least 1m to prevent overtopping 1.
Assess the depth of the dam for silt accumulation. If capacity has dropped significantly, plan for desilting during dry periods 1 5.

2. Spillway and Outlet Works

Paint and maintain all exposed metalwork, gates, and valves to prevent corrosion 8.
Inspect welds, joints, and structural connections for signs of wear or damage, repairing as needed 8.

3. Vegetation and Habitat Enhancement

Review and adjust planting around the dam. Avoid large trees on the wall, but encourage native grasses and aquatic plants on the banks to stabilize soil and support wildlife 5.
Add logs, rocks, or other habitat features to encourage biodiversity and create a more attractive, natural look 5 9.

4. Safety and Emergency Planning

Review and update your dam safety and emergency action plan, especially if conditions have changed or after significant weather events 3 8.
Ensure all signage, fencing, and access controls are in good order 5 7.

5. Professional Review

Every five years, or after major weather events, engage a qualified engineer for a comprehensive structural assessment 3 8.
Review and, if necessary, update your operation and maintenance manual to reflect any changes in dam design, use, or regulations 3 8 10.

Special Considerations

After Heavy Rain or Flood Events

Inspect the dam immediately for signs of spillway erosion, wall cracking, or downstream turbidity, which may indicate internal erosion or slumping 11.
Check that all drainage and overflow systems are functioning and clear of debris 11.

Desilting

If silt accumulation is reducing dam capacity, plan desilting during dry periods. Spread dredged material on paddocks or use it to reinforce the dam wall, but avoid placing it on spillways or drainage lines 1 5.

Stock and Fencing

Exclude stock from dam walls and spillways to prevent erosion and water contamination. Use troughs or reinforced access points if stock watering from the dam is necessary 5 7.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Most routine maintenance does not require permits, but major repairs or modifications may. Check local regulations and consult with authorities as needed

Summary Table: Dam Maintenance Schedule

Task	Weekly	Monthly	Yearly
Visual inspection	✓	✓ (detailed)	✓ (comprehensive)
Vegetation management	✓	✓	✓ (review plan)
Infrastructure check	✓	✓	✓ (professional)
Water quality monitoring	✓	✓	✓
Spillway/outlet maintenance	✓	✓	✓ (paint/repair)
Wildlife/safety check	✓	✓	✓
Record keeping	✓	✓	✓ (review logs)
Professional assessment			✓ (5-yearly)
Emergency plan review			✓

How to Make a Beautiful Dam

To maintain the water clear and pretty, use pond dye and good microorganisms.

Plant natural grasses and plants that live in water to keep banks stable and help animals.
Add logs and rocks to the habitat to make it seem better and be better for the environment.
Keep the fencing and signs up for safety and to keep everything looking nice.
To maintain the dam looking its best, you should regularly remove trash and control vegetation.

In conclusion

A well-kept dam is a long-term investment that gives your property water security, environmental benefits, and beauty.

You can make sure your dam is functional, safe, and beautiful for decades by breaking maintenance down into weekly, monthly, and yearly duties and taking care of problems as soon as they come up.

The key to keeping a dam healthy for a long time is to have regular inspections, make repairs quickly, keep good records, and find a balance between its usefulness and its ecological significance.

The Complete Handbook for Dam Maintenance