The Building (Dam Safety) Regulations 2022 came into effect on 13 May 2024. They aim to protect people, property and the environment from potential damage caused by a dam failure.
If you are a dam owner, you must check if your dam is ‘classifiable’ and submit a Dam Classification Certificate to us on or before 13 August 2024.
A dam is classifiable if it is four or more metres in height and stores 20,000 or more cubic metres of water or other fluid.
If your dam is classifiable, you have until 13 August 2024 to:
You may need to comply with further requirements depending on the classification of your dam.
| Description | Base fee (non-refundable, additional time-based charges may apply) |
|---|---|
| Dam Classification Certificate application fee | $255 |
| Dam Classification Certification – renewal | $255 |
| Dam Safety Assurance Programme for medium or high impact dams | $255 |
| Dam Safety Assurance Programme for medium or high impact dams – renewal | $255 |
| Annual Dam Compliance certification for medium or high impact dams | $255 |
The Dam Safety Regulations were introduced to ensure dams over a certain height or storage capacity are:
The regulations provide consistent, nationwide minimum safety standards for dams in New Zealand.
The regulations apply to 'classifiable dams'. The government changed the definition of a classifiable dam in regulation 5 of the Building (Dam Safety) Regulations 2022.
Dams are now classifiable if they are four or more metres in height and store 20,000 or more cubic metres of water or other fluid.
The regulations do not apply to dams that are less than four metres in height, regardless of their storage volume.
If your dam is classifiable, you must also find out its Potential Impact Classification (PIC) in case the dam fails. This classification assesses the impact your dam could have on:
A dam safety engineer can assess the potential impact of a dam failing. You need to include this information in your Dam Classification Certificate form. The impacts are classified as low, medium or high risk.
Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau is the registration authority for chartered professional engineers. It is responsible for assessing and registering recognised engineers.
Together with the New Zealand Society on Large Dams (NZSOLD), Engineering New Zealand has developed the framework and registration process to assess recognised engineer qualifications and competencies.
If we approve your dam's PIC, you need to review it:
This ensures dam classifications remain accurate and reflect any changes to the dam or surrounding environment.
Depending on the PIC rating, you may need to complete further requirements.
Owners of low PIC dams will have fewer requirements to meet, but those with a medium or high PIC need to complete a certified Dam Safety Assurance Programme and submit Annual Dam Compliance Certificates.
Visit Waikato Regional Council website for the Dam Safety Assurance Programme and Annual Dam Compliance Certificate documents.
Owners of new dams have three months from commission date to register the details with us.
When a dam is registered with us, you can find it on our Dam Safety Regulations register.
Find a registered dam by searching:
Using the digital map pins, you can view:
You can read more about the responsibilities of dam owners on:
You can also find resources for dam owners on the Building Performance website including:
Read our ‘Guidance for review of existing dams’ for information on how to comply with Building (Dam Safety) Regulations 2022.
If you have an existing dam on your property, you can complete our 'Review of existing dams registration form' so we can:
Email damsafetyteam@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to:
