Farm dams

Constructing a dam on a stream or river can affect the ecology of the stream by making it difficult for fish to pass.

They may also alter the stability of the bed of the stream or flood flows. However, a lot of small dams do not have any significant effect.

As long as you are not building a dam for river or flood control, or to drain land or any of the significant wetlands listed in the Fresh Water Plan (see Wetlands page), and you can meet certain other requirements (set out below), you do not need a resource consent.

A major exception is the Stony River catchment where it is prohibited to dam and divert the Stony River or any of its tributaries.

Prohibited
Prohibited. It is prohibited to dam or divert water from the Stony River catchment, in either the main river or any of its tributaries.

A permitted farm dam. For other rivers the requirements include:

  • The catchment area upstream from the dam must be less than 25 hectares.
  • The dam must be no more than three metres high.
  • You must not dam water outside of your own property or cause a build- up of water on neighbouring properties o the dam must still be able to let floods pass, via a spillway, and must not alter the natural course of the river
  • You must not restrict anyone else's water supply or resource consent.
  • No significant environmental effects, including scouring, erosion, or restriction of fish passage may occur.
  • No contaminants from equipment are allowed to enter the river (make sure you do not refuel any equipment in the riverbed).
  • Construction must not take place between 1 May and 31 October in areas covered by water due to fish spawning during this time.
  • You must let the Taranaki Regional Council know that you are going to dam the stream, at least two working days before you start work. If you cannot meet any of these requirements, you may still be able to construct the dam but you will need to apply for a resource consent. REFER TO FRESH WATER PLAN

You may also need a building consent from your local district council to build a dam. Check with them when you are planning your work.
CHECK WITH NEW PLYMOUTH, STRATFORD, OR SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT COUNCILS A PERMITTED FARM DAM IN TARANAKI