This page lists reported dams in the Otago region that are identified as dangerous, earthquake-prone or flood-prone under New Zealand’s Building Act and Dam Safety Regulations. 

The Otago Regional Council maintains this register so dam owners, engineers and the community can see which classifiable dams have been reported and what their current safety status is. Reporting helps everyone understand the risks and supports compliance with dam safety requirements across Otago.

Sullivans Dam

Otago Regional Council has been notified of a ‘flood-prone dam’, which is located in the Dunedin City District and is managed by Dunedin City Council (DCC). The flood-prone dam is known as the Sullivans Dam and is located approximately 8 km north of Central Dunedin, near the head of the Leith Valley.   You can find the location of the dam on DCC’s public maps: Street map - Dunedin City Council. 
 
Risk reductions measures are being planned and undertaken by DCC.  However, there could be potential impacts in a large rainfall event. 
 
For further information please contact water.services@dcc.govt.nz

Rossville Dam

Otago Regional Council has been notified of a ‘flood-prone dam', which is located in the Dunedin City District and is managed by Dunedin City Council (DCC). The flood-prone dam is known as the Rossville Dam and is located approximately 2 km north of Sawyers Bay, and approximately 11 km northwest of central Dunedin.   The location of the dam is shown in the aerial map below:

 Risk reductions measures are being planned and undertaken by DCC.  However, there could be potential impacts in a large rainfall event. 
 
For further information please contact water.services@dcc.govt.nz

Ardgowan Dam

Otago Regional Council has been notified of a ‘dangerous dam’, which is located in the Waitaki District and is managed by Waitaki District Council (WDC). The dangerous dam is known as the Ardgowan Dam and is located on Reservoir Road, Oamaru North. The location of the dam is shown in the aerial map below:

Risk reductions measures are being planned and undertaken by WDC.  However, there could be potential impacts in a flood event.

For further information please contact service@waitaki.govt.nz