A New Dam and Challenging Site Conditions
The owners of a newly built rural property in Mount Tamborine, Queensland, wanted a reliable, long-lasting residential dam that could stay clean and stable year-round. However, the site’s location came with a unique set of challenges, including high groundwater pressure and a shallow water table.
Engineering assessments revealed hydraulic forces beneath the dam could be significant enough to push the liner upward if left unweighted. To counteract this risk, engineers recommended the entire liner be weighted with rock, creating a stable barrier that would prevent buoyancy issues.
While this design addressed the structural concern, it introduced a new challenge–rock surfaces provide ideal attachment points for filamentous algae. To ensure the water stayed clear and healthy, we needed to create a water movement and oxygenation strategy that could offset this risk.









