Advice issued on managing farm dams after fires

Farmers in fire-affected areas are being encouraged to closely monitor farm dams following heavy or prolonged rainfall to protect water quality.

Agriculture Victoria says many dams have been contaminated by ash, charcoal and organic debris washed in after fires.

If floating debris is not removed quickly, it can sink, decompose and cause water to become foul or unusable for livestock within days.

Farmers are being advised to remove debris as soon as possible using simple methods such as mesh booms or manual collection along dam edges.

Where practical, sediment traps installed upstream can help reduce the amount of debris entering dams during future rain events.

While heavier sediment is difficult to remove in the short term, early action can significantly improve water quality outcomes.

Further guidance on managing fire-impacted dams and stock water supplies is available through Agriculture Victoria and state bushfire recovery services.