Dams

The Scrivener dam maintains the water levels for Lake Burley Griffin. This dam was engineered to withstand a once-in-5,000-years flood event. The lake is not used as part of Canberra’s water supply.
Source: Photo taken by John Conway

Dams are earth, stone and concrete barriers that block part of the flow of rivers and make it possible to store water in large lakes.

These lakes fill when rain falls into catchment areas and flows along rivers into the dam where it is stopped by the dam wall.

The water stored in dams is used as a constant and reliable supply for human use.

The location and design of dams requires input from many specialists. Rainfall over the catchment area, the shape and nature of the land, construction materials, strength and durability of the design and environmental impact are all critical factors that need to be considered.