Provides essential information on all types of earth dams. Written by a leading expert in the storage and use of water in agriculture. Information on how to determine catchment yield and the amount of water required. Detailed advice on selecting and working with engineers and contractors. Explanations of what causes of dam failures and how to remedy problems quickly. Covers developments in relevant legislation, including water rights and liabilities. Explanations of the role of water authorities and related government agencies. Environmental and ecological issues. The use of farm dams for aquaculture.
Contents: Preface Acknowledgments Introduction
Section 1 Planning 1.1 Assessing water needs 1.2 Assessment of catchment yield 1.3 Dam site selection 1.4 Types of farm storages 1.5 Dam storage size 1.6 Using a dam in drought 1.7 Fire fighting 1.8 Farm dams and trees 1.9 Dam cost justification
Section 2 Investigation 2.1 Soil testing 2.2 Site selection criteria 2.3 Foundation materials 2.4 Embankment materials 2.5 Site investigation of materials 2.6 Analysis of soil 2.7 Location of soil 2.8 Unsuitable material
Section 3 Design 3.1 Items that need to be considered 3.2 Flood flow estimation 3.3 Outlet structures 3.4 Pipelines through embankments 3.5 Earth and water computations 3.6 Estimate of costs
Section 4 Documentation 4.1 Collation of plans and specification 4.2 Collecting basic design data 4.3 Assembly of data 4.4 Construction documents and drawings 4.5 Final review and approval
Section 5 Construction 5.1 Approval for dam building 5.2 Selecting your dam builders 5.3 How to build a dam 5.4 Steps in constructing a dam 5.5 Compaction 5.6 Soil moisture 5.7 Allowance for settlement 5.8 Equipment 5.9 Installation of outlet pipe 5.10 Checking for compliance with standards 5.11 Final inspection and measurements
Section 6 Maintenance 6.1 Safety surveillance 6.2 Inspection procedures 6.3 Causes of dam failures 6.4 Dam leakage
Section 7 Water 7.1 Water quantity 7.2 Water quality 7.3 Water treatment for human consumption 7.4 Algae in farm water supplies 7.5 Salt in dam water
Section 8 Ecology 8.1 Wildlife and plants in dams 8.2 Water plants in dams 8.3 Using herbicides near water 8.4 Vegetation on and around dams 8.5 Yabbies
Section 9 Commercial 9.1 Fish farming 9.2 Yabby farming 9.3 Native fauna and total ecosystem management 9.4 Licensing process
Section 10 Legal 10.1 Legal and policy aspects in Australia 10.2 Liability 10.3 Responsibility of dam owners 10.4 Dam failure 10.5 Designer and earthmoving contractor(s) 10.6 Property insurance
Appendix 1 A glossary of terminology Appendix 2 Engineering specification for an earth-fill farm dam Appendix 3 Metric and imperial conversion tables References and suggested further reading
“? an invaluable reference for any landowner across Australia involved in dam building.”
-- Patrick Francis , Australian Landcare
“This is a sensible, detailed and practical guide for any sensible adult to use to organize construction of a farm dam to draw water for a farming property and its stock.”
-- Diane Wiesner, AWA Senior Scientist, Water
“Farm Dams will be an invaluable source for anyone who owns or plans to own a dam, and a useful reference for agencies, contractors and engineers.”
196 pp., , illus, March 2002 Published by CSIRO Publishing
Farm Dams 
Provides essential information on all types of earth dams. Written by a leading expert in the storage and use of water in agriculture. Information on how to determine catchment yield and the amount of water required. Detailed advice on selecting and working with engineers and contractors. Explanations of what causes of dam failures and how to remedy problems quickly. Covers developments in relevant legislation, including water rights and liabilities. Explanations of the role of water authorities and related government agencies. Environmental and ecological issues. The use of farm dams for aquaculture.