The measurement of dam volumes is an essential part of efficient water management. Firstly, knowledge of how much water a dam holds is needed to ensure that there are sufficient quantities available for the production area available through the driest times. This information should form part of the data collected when determining the size of production areas. Secondly, an accurate measurement of the volume remaining as dam levels fall allows management decisions to be made about where water is best used in the business e.g. reducing irrigation on mother stock areas. Thirdly, if the dam is used to collect runoff water to minimise impacts from nutrient run off, or catching the first 25mm of runoff from the site to retain the majority of pollutants, the maximum height that the dam must be held at needs be known.
