FARMERS and landholders are being advised to plan ahead and seek advice before constructing a new dam or adding water infrastructure or equipment to their property.

Seasonal conditions have led to a shortage of stock water across most of Victoria which has renewed interest in constructing farm dams and installing pumps, bores, tanks, troughs, and piping.

AgVic has urged farmers to investigate the amount of water needed, sufficient dam strength, if the dam will fill in most years and a good site for a spillway.

Soil tests were also recommended, and cost and any permit requirements with local water authorities were crucial.

A statement from AgVic said longer and hotter summers with decreased cool season rainfall had resulted in many smaller dams built in previous years drying up and was aided by lack of runoff, increased water consumption, and evaporation.

“Many new dams built across Victoria are also failing within the first few years due to inappropriate materials or poor construction techniques,” the statement said.

“As a result, farmers need a bigger catchment area to improve the chances of filling dams regularly.”

At least 10 hectares of catchment is recommended for every megalitre of water stored in a dam.

Collecting runoff from nearby roads and tracks is also an effective way of sourcing water.

AgVic said landholders should buy appropriately sized pumps, tanks, troughs, and pipes, and ensure the design of troughs was not vulnerable to livestock damage.

Polyethylene pipe with PE80 or PE100 rating ensured long-term strength, and reputable suppliers with good track records were recommended.