Opgaardam

The size and capacity of the opgaardam, which translates to a type of water reservoir, depend significantly on the geographical features of the farm, the volume of water carried by the river, and the strength of the dam’s infrastructure. While some dams remain full for only a few weeks, others hold water for several months. These longer-lasting reservoirs foster the emergence of unique ecosystems. In these environments, one might observe remarkable bird species, such as flamingos, crossing the dry landscape to establish their habitat in the lush, water-filled dams. The dam walls (or damwalle) are built and repaired with the silt that is deposited in the dam itself, without any additional supporting structure—hence the chance of the dam walls collapsing. The fragility of the dam walls can be worsened by animals digging holes into the walls.

• Project: Saaidam flood-irrigation system
• Climate: Mediterranean climate
• Year: Since ca. 1800s
• Water type: Freshwater
• Landscape: River landscape
• Material: Surrounding soil and earth
• Use or Function: Flood irrigation