Dams in Queensland

Queensland's water dams fulfil many purposes and roles including:

• water for towns and communities
• water for industry and agriculture
• water for hydropower
• water storages to provide a degree of flood mitigation to downstream communities
• water storages for recreational facilities.

Dam ownership and operation

The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water regulates the safety of referable dams.

Seqwater and SunWater own and operate almost half of Queensland's referable dams: Seqwater has 26 large dams and SunWater has 23 large dams.

Dam owners are responsible for the safety of their dams.

Referable dam owners are required to have approved emergency action plans in place for their dams.

Other dams

Hazardous waste dams or other dams that are regulated under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 are managed by the Department of Environment and Science.

Emergencies

In an emergency, phone 000.

If you have concerns over the safety of a water dam, email damsafety@rdmw.qld.gov.au.

Flood information

In Queensland, local authorities are primarily responsible for the management of flood emergencies. You should check with them to find out what information is available in your community.

Read more about the extent of flooding associated with the failure of referable water dams.

The Bureau of Meteorology also provides a flood warning service.

Also consider...

• View the latest South East Queensland dam levels and releases.
• Learn more about Seqwater and SunWater dam water storage levels and recreational facilities.
• Read flood mitigation studies and dam reviews.
• Read the guidelines for hazardous waste dams (i.e. regulated structures). Contact the regulator, the Department of Environment and Science for further information.