ii) Watering from dams

Dams are a common choice of water source for livestock as they are relatively easy to get built as long as suitable sites can be found. They also require less monitoring and maintenance that troughs.
But on the downside, livestock allowed free access to a dam will quickly contaminate it, reducing water quality and limiting the ability of native fauna and flora live in it.
Livestock should therefore ideally be fenced out of dams, with the water instead pumped or reticulated through pipe into troughs located in areas where stock congregating will do less damage.
If this is not practical, electric fencing tape can be used to restrict livestock to one area on the dam bank. If feasible, gravel on the dam bank where livestock are drinking may help reduce bogging and encourage animals to come in, drink and go again. Be wary of bogging if watering sheep on a dam where cattle are or have been recently.
The fenced off area around the dam can then be revegetated using suitable vegetation and habitat areas created for fauna.
When stocking the paddocks containing the catchment area for a dam, it is important to remember that good pasture management means good water quality.
Stocking rates on dry soils must be flexible with the goal of a minimum above 70 per cent or greater soil coverage. In good years, this means more animals, in poor years, less. Allowing less than 70% pasture coverage significantly raises the chance of large scale soil loss and nutrient runoff when rains do come. Avoid use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides in areas around dams and waterways.