Assessing the suitability of existing small farm dams to prepare for, cope with, and recover from drought

This project is part of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | Future Drought Fund - Research and Adoption Program. The grants from this program support innovative projects that equip Australian farmers and agricultural-dependent communities and businesses with the tools and capacity to adapt, reorganise, transition and/or transform in preparation for future drought conditions.
September 2026
12
Victoria
Current

Research Question

Farm dams are critical to farming properties, but they are limited in their capacity to hold water for extended periods and rely on regular rainfall to fill them. Their vulnerability during drought periods has researchers looking into small farm dams. Southern Farming Systems is leading the project with researchers from Federation University, Agriculture Victoria, Farming Systems Groups - Birchip Cropping Group, Riverine Plains and Food & Fibre Gippsland to help understand small farm dam hydrology and help improve decision-making during drought and a future impacted by climate change. This project has developed a web tool that uses spatial imagery and allows a farmer to ‘click’ on an existing dam on a map. The tool being developed will automatically map the catchment above the dam and using 5 km climate grids, along with catchment runoff models, predict the frequency and volume of runoff at that dam. The tool is a pilot project that will have further improvements access the tool here...

Research Information & Objectives

The Small Farm Dams Tool is a pilot tool that will be subject to further improvements you can access the tool here...

To view a simple how to use guide can be accessed here...

WORKSHOPS

Water Wise Workshops were held by Southern Farming Systems and Birchip Cropping Group in June 2025, demonstrating the tool and other practical farm water tools.

WEBINAR

Understanding your farm dam - view the webinar here...

In this webinar, we explore essential questions for small farm dam owners:

Are your dams reliable and the right size for your catchment?
What affects runoff, and how can the Small Farm Dam Tool help?
What other tools and resources are available to manage farm water effectively?
What are the legal requirements for building, operating, or using a dam?
Do you need a license, and what are your safety responsibilities?
Who should you contact for expert advice?

💧 Whether you're planning, upgrading, or assessing your dam, this session is packed with practical insights and resources.

Small Farm Dams Webinar for service providers, local government authorities, water authorities, catchment management authorities, landcare facilitators & farming systems groups explored:

Small Farm Dams Project - understand small farm dam hydrology to improve decision-making during drought and future climate change.
Online Water tools - their role and capabilities
Water technical guides
Resource to support farmers
Regional discussion - feedback and opportunities

View the powerpoint slides here...

OTHER WEBINAR RESOURCES

Measuring the depth of your dam (also instructions on how to make Dam Deep), Agriculture Victoria

Dam maintenance video, Agriculture Victoria

Farm Water Management eLearn, Agriculture Victoria (You need to sign in)

Summer water calculator, Agriculture Victoria

Farm Water Calculator, Agriculture Victoria

On Farm Water Reticulation Guide, GWM Water

Farm Dams Technical Guide, ANU Sustainable Farms

Dairy shed water – how much do you use? Agriculture Victoria

Healthy Farm Dams - Guidance for grazing and rural lifestyle properties, Melbourne Water

Healthy Farm Dams - Guidance for Guidance for Dairy Farmers, Melbourne Water