Public access across Conroys dam near Alexandra is again open to the public, after being closed for more than eight months following a spate of vandalism in April last year.
Vandals smashed six of the nine planks on a roof of the structure which protected outlet valve controls, by dropping large rocks over the dam wall.
A gate to the dam, which has been used to store water for irrigation since 1935, was locked after the incident to prevent further damage.
If the valves themselves had been smashed, serious consequences would have resulted, as crucial irrigation to the area's many orchards and vineyards would have been compromised.
Access to the Department of Conservation's Aldinga Conservation Area, situated above the dam, was affected by the gate's closure.
Doc visitor and historic programme manager Anita Middlemiss said a Doc engineer had developed plans to improve a dam crossing in order to prevent people from damaging the outlet valve controls.
Those plans were presented to, and approved by, the Last Chance Irrigation Company, which owns the valve.
Ms Middlemiss said a building consent had been obtained through the Central Otago District Council to complete the repair work, and access was officially opened on January 9.
Conroys dam is a popular recreational site.
