A Sand Dam is a reinforced stone masonry wall built across a seasonal sandy river. They have almost no maintenance costs and can last for upwards of 60 years (the oldest known in operation being over 100 years old). Water behind a Sand Dam raises the water table in the surrounding area which improves the soil, creating better conditions for crops and grazing. More trees can be planted which ensures that more water infiltrates the ground and less soil is washed away – creating a virtuous cycle of soil and water conservation. The water is filtered by the sand and is also drinkable!! During the rainy season, the Sand Dam fills with sediment-laden water. The heavy sand is deposited behind the dam, while the light silt is carried downstream. Unlike a normal dam, as much as 97 to 99% of the water flowing in the river continues downstream, therefore having ZERO NEGATIVE IMPACT on other habitats further down stream.