How To Build A Dam On A Farm

Mike Barlow Earthmoving Pty Ltd • January 4, 2023

Building a dam on your farm provides an invaluable resource for your land. Not only can it serve as an irrigation system but it’s also essential for creating water reservoirs to supply your livestock with water and protect your property if there is a fire. If you’re interested in building a dam on your property, this guide will walk you through the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Plan Your Dam

Before you begin construction, consider the size and purpose of the dam. Also consider factors such as the size of the area where you want to build the dam, what type of soil is available, and any local regulations that may be applicable. Note any potential risks or complications that you may face while constructing the dam, such as flooding or subsidence. 
 Once those details are all considered, you’ll need to decide on the type of dam best suited to your needs such as:

  • The Arch Dam : Arch dams are a type of concrete dam designed for maximum strength, often found in steep valleys. Their hallmark shape is an arch that angles backward into the water, directing force to push against the dam itself and resist large amounts of incoming water pressure


  • The Gravity Dam : With their triangle-like cross section, gravity dams are designed to withstand tremendous water pressure due to the force of gravity that holds them firmly in place. Constructed from concrete or masonry - and often a combination of both – these robust structures can be built across narrow as well as wide valleys for storing large amounts of water safely


  • The Embankment Dam : Embankment dams are a unique solution to water management, combining natural materials and methods of compaction with asphaltic concrete or clay soil core structures. Their low-pressure design makes them an ideal choice for wide valleys on both soft soil and hard rock terrain
  • Buttress Dams : Buttress dams are engineering marvels, skilfully crafted from masonry or concrete to form triangular-shaped buttresses which support the upstream side against immense reservoir forces. Their versatility allows them to be constructed in large and small valleys alike – a remarkable feat of human ingenuity.

Then, calculate the estimated cost of building and maintaining your dam. This will give you an idea of what supplies, materials and earthmoving equipment you’ll need to purchase or hire before beginning construction

Step 2: Choose A Site

Once you’ve decided on the site, you can begin digging. When selecting a site for your dam, look for areas with low water leakage potential and an adequate amount of soil to support the dam’s weight when filled with water. You may also need to have your site levelled and a road constructed to the dam, before construction can commence.

Step 3: Lay Down Foundations

After selecting a suitable site for your dam’s foundations, lay down the foundations according to the type of dam you have selected. This step usually involves setting up retaining walls along both sides of the ditch that has been dug out. The materials you use, such as reinforced concrete, must remain durable and strong over time in order to prevent any chances of collapse or erosion due to wear and tear from water pressure or other environmental factors over time.

Step 4: Collect Materials

Collect materials necessary for completing construction such as gravels and rocks which can be used as fillers around edges and corners of walls, so they remain strong even when subject to the high pressure exerted by the filled up reservoir behind them once construction has finished.

Step 5: Fill Reservoir & Monitor Construction

Fill the reservoir with water slowly allowing it enough time between each filling so that its structure remains intact without collapsing under high pressure.  Throughout the construction process, you should be regularly monitoring the stability of the dam to ensure the risk of future damage from human negligence or natural disasters is minimised.

Your New Dam

 Building a safe and effective dam on your farm takes careful planning and consideration; however, if done right, it can provide an invaluable asset for years to come. At Mike Barlow Earthmoving, we have a proven track record when it comes to dam construction. We can also carry out maintenance and repairs to ensure you and your farm isn’t left high and dry. To learn more about how we can help with your dam, get in touch with us today via our contact form or give us a call on (07) 4934 4229.