Undertaking farm water planning can indicate a need for increased water storage capacity in the form of dams. Enlarging an existing dam – particularly one that may require maintenance to address other issues – can be a good way of achieving increased storage without building a new dam.

However, it is important to note that enlarging dams increases a farm’s water holding capacity, so may require a license depending on the regulations for your area.

For example, in NSW, dams on 1 ^st or 2 ^nd order streams can be enlarged as long as the farm remains within its harvestable rights. Dams on a 3 ^rd order stream that were built before 1999 are allowed to be maintained, but cannot be enlarged without a license.

A dam construction expert should be consulted before dam enlargement commences.

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