Damwatch was formed from the split of the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand (ECNZ) on 1 April 1999.

The skills and experience of Damwatch have been developed from the Dam Safety Programme maintained by ECNZ. This independently rated "world class" programme included:

• surveillance,
• data analysis,
• correction of deficiencies,
• a regular and independent audit, and
• emergency planning for 35 dams.

Today, Damwatch offers these same services, updated and relevant to today's commercial and social environment, but with the assurance of years of testing. The company has expanded to meet increasing demand for expertise in fields such as the development of small hydro/power projects, wind farm civil asset management and Building Act compliance. Clients throughout New Zealand and, increasingly, internationally benefit as a result of applied modern technology based on what works.

Damwatch's unique empathy with dam owners and asset managers is continued through its parent company, Meridian Energy, New Zealand's largest state-owned renewable energy generator.