Farmer News
1 June, 2026
To clean or not to clean?
FARMERS in south west Victoria may be considering cleaning out sediment from their dams after prolonged dry weather.
However, Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Clem Sturmfels is urging farmers to carefully assess the risks, timing, and likely benefits before starting any works.
“Cleaning out dams at this time of the year can be difficult, dangerous, and expensive,” Mr Sturmfels said.
“Handling wet dam sediment requires specialised equipment. Using a bulldozer to remove this sediment is slow and tedious work and excavators usually don’t have the reach to do this work efficiently.”
He said dams with fresh deposits of soil, manure, and other organic matter are more likely to grow algae and bacteria.
In these situations, allowing these deposits to dry out first can make removal easier using a scraper or bulldozer.
“It’s important to closely monitor the dams while waiting for them to dry out to avoid any animal health issues.
“Dams with older sediment are less likely to have water quality concerns. However, it is important to bear in mind that a metre or so of sediment will have little impact on dam capacity.”
He added that assessing the depth of sediment in a dam can be difficult.
“Farmers can make an estimate by measuring the depth of the dam and comparing that to the dam’s dimensions,” he said.
Mr Sturmfels said a depth sounder or Damdeep measuring device can also be used.
He encouraged farmers to consider the following when undertaking dam cleaning activities:
The sides of dams can be slippery and pose a risk to humans, stock, and plant operators;
Dam sediment should be placed in a location where it cannot re-enter the dam or other waterways;
Steepening the sides of the dam can result in erosion and further sedimentation;
Avoid any works which impact the structural integrity of the dam or associated outlet devices.
Farmers may find they get a better water security return by focusing on improving capture, reducing losses, and improving water quality or access instead.
It’s recommended to contact the local rural water authority in your area prior to commencing sediment removal works, as a permit may be required.
To find your rural water corporation simply head to https://www.water.vic.gov.au/for-households/find-your-water-corporation.