What is a farm dam in Australia?
A farm dam is a small reservoir built on rural properties to capture and store rainfall runoff. In Australia, they are vital for supplying water to livestock, irrigation and household use on farms.
Farm dams are usually built by excavating soil and forming earthen walls in gullies or on gently sloping land. They catch runoff from rain and are often called tanks in some parts of the country.
There are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of farm dams across Australia. Together they store a significant volume of water, especially in southeastern Australia.
Water in a dry land
Because rainfall in Australia is variable, farm dams help farmers survive dry periods. During droughts, however, dams can dry up completely, forcing farmers to cart water or reduce stock numbers.
Farm dams also provide habitat for birds, frogs and other wildlife. However, poor management can lead to erosion and algal blooms, and dams can reduce the flow of water to rivers and streams.
Many states have rules about how big dams can be without a license. Farmers increasingly fence dams to keep livestock out and improve water quality. Corrugated iron rainwater tanks are also widely used to collect water from roofs.
Did You Know?
Researchers have found that fenced and revegetated farm dams can support more wildlife and cleaner water.