Leaky dam

[5] The area surrounding the leaky dams have many benefits including better quality of water to life behind the barrier, prevention of soil erosion, available nutrients for wildlife, stabilisation of river banks, spawning ground for aquatic life, rooting habitat, place of nesting birds, areas of growth for microbes, algae and fungi, efficient temporary storage of water and a slow release of water into surrounding area.

This animation of a side view of a mountain embankment shows how bad soil management contributes to tonnes of topsoil ending up in flood areas and river beds.

The following are possible approaches:[7] More vegetation is able to be supported behind the barrier due to the higher level of nutrients captured from debri and silt.

Some trees can absorb hundreds of litres per day, making it a very effective water collection system[10] Many county bodies have initiated their own trials and photographic and video recordings show positive results.

The biggest motivator is this method costs a fraction of the hard defenses that professional government agencies have been promoting.