Dam safety

WaterNSW has a robust dam safety management system. This system has been designed to effectively manage the risk of dam failure throughout the life of each dam.

Dam safety is essential, not only to meet our statutory obligations, but to ensure the safety of our employees and the communities we serve.

Dam safety requirements are achieved through a structured program of surveillance and monitoring. Our professional and technical staff are responsible for all aspects of dam safety including:

• surveillance
• investigations
• risk analysis
• planning and prioritisation
• project initiation and oversight
• regulatory compliance and reporting

Our dam safety requirements

WaterNSW complies with a strict set of requirements for each of the dams we manage as outlined under the NSW Dams Safety Act 2015. These include:

• proper operation and maintenance of all dams by trained personnel
• regular dam surveillance by trained personnel
• appropriate dam safety emergency plans for dams whose failure could cause of loss of life
• ongoing assessment of dams behaviour based on surveillance and information
• periodic review of our dams compliance with current safety requirements
• review of all dam information and assessment by experienced personnel
• responding to dam assessment with appropriate actions to ensure all dams remain safe.

Complying with dam safety requirements ensures these critical public resources continue to provide safe and reliable water delivery today, and for future generations.

To learn more about the requirements and legislation we comply with, visit NSW Dams Safety Act 2015.

Reports