The dam was built for the Nowra Municipality under the supervision of the New South Wales Public Works Department at a cost of 62,000 pounds.

It was completed and handed over to the care and management of Nowra Municipal Council by the Governor of the State of New South Wales and signed and sealed by the Governor, Sir Philip Woolcott Game at Sydney on November 20, 1934.

The curved concrete dam had a capacity of 89 million gallons.

By February 1949 the dam was only holding 28,000 gallons.

Water inspector C.B Hadfield reported to the Shire of Shoalhaven Council in early February 1949 that the water situation in Nowra was dire.

The inspector urged a review of the restrictions then in vogue, and council supported him to the full.

"This Flat Rock dam catchment area is only a storm catchment, and I am again for restrictions, for Council will remember I brought in the subject of water restrictions in Nowra early in the present summer," Mr Hadfield said.

"I move that the watering of gardens by any means be prohibited."

Cr West said he had always opposed the restrictions but as things were, he was forced to agree with them. He asked how the Naval drome was observing the restrictions.

Upon president H.O Cox putting the motion as to the added restrictions before the meeting, it was carried unanimously.

Council then went into a huddle over the questions as to whether it was better to advertise in the local press and issue pamphlets.

Cr McDonnell suggested advertising over the air but his amendment was lost.

The motion was carried, favouring local advertising and printing handbills.

All information supplied by Shoalhaven Historical Society.