Water loss from an earth-based dam or pond can be subtle, until it’s not. Left undetected, a small leak can become a major issue, leading to reduced storage capacity, livestock impact, crop stress and long-term erosion. Fortunately, there are reliable ways to identify if your dam is leaking & proven solutions to stop the water loss without draining or costly excavation. This blog explains how to recognise the early warning signs of a leaking dam and what to do next.
Why Leaks Happen in Earth-Based Dams
Earthen dams are constructed using local soils, which often vary in texture, compaction & permeability. Over time, natural settling, animal burrows, tree roots or pressure from fluctuating water levels can create small pathways for water to escape. Leakage typically occurs through:
- Cracks in the base or wall
- Loose or porous soil zones
- Animal tunnels (e.g. wombats, rabbits)
- Seepage beneath poorly compacted foundations
Not all water loss is caused by leaks; evaporation, usage & seasonal changes also play a role. There are clear indicators that your dam is losing more water than it should.
5 Signs Your Dam Might Be Leaking
1. Unexplained Drop in Water Levels
If water levels fall significantly, even during cool weather or with no usage, it may be more than evaporation. Keep a basic daily measurement using a fixed stick or marker to track water loss over time. Water loss over 150mm per week could indicate a fast leak.
2. Wet Areas Below the Wall
If you notice soggy soil, patches of green grass or pooling water on the outside base of your dam wall, it’s a strong sign that water is seeping through the structure & reappearing downstream.
3. Visible Cracks or Slumping in the Wall
Cracks, sinkholes or slumping in the wall structure suggest movement, erosion or water pressure compromising the dam. These can evolve quickly & should be addressed before failure occurs.
4. Vegetation Growth in Odd Places
Unexpectedly lush or green patches near the outside of your dam can indicate underground leaks that are feeding plant roots. Weed growth in previously dry areas is also a common sign of soil moisture where it shouldn’t be.
5. Turbid or Cloudy Inflow Water
If water entering your dam becomes unusually cloudy or discoloured, it may be disturbing soil through a newly formed leak path. This erosion can worsen with each rainfall or inflow event.
How to Confirm a Leak
In many cases, visual signs are enough to act, especially if you’ve tracked consistent water level loss. For greater accuracy:
- Compare inflow & outflow over time
- Use a float gauge or fixed measurement stick
- Inspect around the dam during dry periods
- Look for animal activity around the walls or banks
- Monitor vegetation patterns from drone or aerial images if available
If you're unsure, Polymer Innovations offers a free dam assessment. Simply submit photos & dam details to get expert guidance on what’s happening and what product suits your situation.
What To Do If Your Dam Is Leaking - Use a Polymer-Based Dam Sealer
If you suspect a leak, the good news is you don’t need to drain your dam or bring in machinery. Products like Water$ave Plug & Water$ave Seep are dry granular polymers applied directly to the water surface. They are drawn into the cracks & porous zones by water movement, where they absorb moisture & swell to form a gel-like plug, sealing leaks internally, from the bottom up.
- Water$ave Plug – best for fast leaks & coarse soils
- Water$ave Seep – ideal for slow leaks & fine or sandy soils
Both products are non-toxic, safe for livestock & proven to work in thousands of Australian farm dams.
Stop the Leak Before It Costs You More
Leaks in earthen dams don’t fix themselves. The longer water escapes, the more soil it can displace, increasing the chance of wall failure, environmental damage & water supply disruption. With early detection & the right sealing product, you can restore your dam’s performance without excavation or expensive lining.
Need Help?
If you’ve noticed signs of water loss, contact Polymer Innovations for a free dam assessment or product recommendation. Our Water$ave range is designed for Australian conditions & trusted by farmers, councils & contractors across the country.
Visit: www.polymerinnovations.com.au
Call: +61 2 6571 5177
Don’t let a small leak become a big problem. Water$ave it now.
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