Dam Overflow Channel Rebuild in Waipu
On a rural property just down the road from a previous job in Waipu, we were called in to sort out a dam overflow system that had been neglected for too long. The blocked overflow was causing erosion, fence damage, and instability around the dam wall. Our task was to re-establish a functional outlet and prevent further damage to the property.
Project Summary
The property had an existing dam, but the overflow system hadn’t been maintained. The original outlet was blocked with built-up soil and debris, leading to excess water washing over unintended parts of the paddock. This was gradually eroding the dam wall and undermining fencing below the overflow point, an ongoing nuisance for the landowner.
Our first step was to dig out the blocked outlet, removing built-up soil and overgrowth (gauze and stray kikuyu), allowing water to exit the dam as intended. But once the flow was re-established, it became clear that the original overflow trench wasn’t holding up—it was washing out and directing water in the wrong direction.
We decided to reroute the overflow completely. Using our 8-tonne excavator, we cut a new trench designed to handle water flow during heavy rain while protecting the dam wall and lower fencing. The new outlet was shaped to allow water to exit gently, reducing the chance of erosion and spreading runoff in a more controlled path.
Outcome + Client Benefit
The dam now has a reliable, functioning overflow outlet that safely directs water away from the dam wall and fencing. The owner no longer has to rebuild the fence after every downpour, and the risk of long-term damage to the dam structure has been eliminated. It’s a simple, effective solution that protects both infrastructure and pasture.
Project Location
Located near South Road in Waipu, this property shares the same typical Northland conditions—clay soils, high rainfall, and the challenges that come with managing rural water systems. Overflow channels are often overlooked until they fail, but here we’ve shown how a bit of groundwork can prevent bigger problems.
