A dam is a structure commonly built across a river or stream to create a large reservoir behind it. We use dams for various human consumption purposes such as irrigation, hydroelectric power, reducing peak floodwater, and improving navigation.
Dams also have extra work such as spillways, valves and moveable gates that control water movement downstream. They are sometimes connected to intake structures such as canals, waterways, and pipelines to convey water in distant places.
Storage Dams
They are constructed to store water during the rainy season when there is a large flow in the river. Many small dams impound the spring runoff for later use in dry summers. Storage dams may also provide a water supply, or improved habitat for fish and wildlife. They may store water for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation or for a flood control project. Storage dams are the most common type of dams and in general the dam means a storage dam unless qualified otherwise.
When constructing a storage dam, farmers are mostly recommended to use dam liners in order to ensure that the stored water does not get absorbed in the ground
What are Dam Liners?
Dam liners are a simple way to provide waterproofing of dams and ponds where the soil type is not ideal for water storage, providing the waterproofing essential for a viable dam.
The HDPE dam liners are most recommended. This is because;
- HDPE lining is more cost-effective and fit for large projects.
- Resistance to chemicals
- High-density polyethylene liners are highly chemical-resistant. Thus, there is no threat for hazardous waste.Low-permeability
- Low-permeability – It is safe and secure from penetrations. And it resists rainwater to seep into the dam liners.
- UV-resistant- They are UV-resistant and therefore, are not damaged by environmental issues.
- It is durable- Good dam liners must be UV treated to increase longevity. They can therefore last between 10-30 years depending on the thickness and gauge. They should be made from virgin materials, not recycled. Dam liners or pond liners require materials of high resistance to abrasion or puncturing.
How to Install a Dam Liner
Regularly the width of the liner is 8 meters and in case your dam exceeds this width the liner is joined with a welding machine to the ideal size you need. To make it compatible enough and to ensure no leakages, the two cut pieces are overlapped with a spacing of 6 inches ( 15 cm) and welded together.
The welded liner is placed in whatever surface or water pan and the top is tucked in a hollow section of between 0.5 mm to 1 meter made on the top. This makes the liner hold on tightly to the surface and prevents it from collapsing.
Different uses of dam liner
- Fish pond lining.
- Silage making Hydroponics agriculture
- Multi-storey gardening
- Repairing leakage underground and above tanks
- Repair leaking concrete roofs
- As gutters in greenhouse construction
- Irrigation water storage mainly drip irrigation and sprinkler systems.
Price of dam liners
| Thickness (mm) | Price per square meter(Kes) |
| 0.5 | 250 |
| 0.75 | 360 |
| 1 | 420 |
When looking for quality dam liners, Mazero Agrifood is the place to come. We are most reliable in supply and installation of quality dam liners in Kenya. Our dam liners are most reputable because of their quality, durability and affordability. Having a dam liner ensures water is harvested and stored for later use mainly for irrigation, domestic and livestock use. Water harvesting using dam liners also ensures large volumes of water from boreholes and wells, rivers and runoffs are stored for supply to the community. Contact us today on 0729777711.