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2.2.11.5 - Irrigation Farm Dams

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If you are planning to build a dam for irrigation (or other commercial purposes), you need a licence to take and use water. Dams used for domestic and stock purposes do not require a licence, up to a certain size.

Drainage reuse dams up to a certain size do not require a licence. Typically, you can have up to one megalitre of storage capacity for each 10 ha of your irrigated land draining to it. If you want to store more than this, you need to obtain a licence, and either purchase water for it or dedicate some of your existing water entitlement to it.

If you wish to build a dam on a waterway, or with a capacity and bank height greater than specified, you need to obtain a construction licence.

If you are considering building a dam for irrigation purposes, you should consult your Rural Water Authority.
      Photo: 2.2.11.5
      New farm dams may need to be licensed
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