Fauna: Survey work carried out in 2012, downstream of Lakes Road, indicated that the diversity of native fish and crayfish was stable. Four out of the five expected species were identified, yet the abundance for all species was generally low. Flora: The area is dominated by riparian vegetation which services the dams' microhabitats, such as river pools, through providing shade. This vegetation is in degrading condition due to being outcompeted by exotic species, according to river condition assessments in 2012. Erosion and low bank stability are continuing to intensify by the effects of encroaching urban land use.

The dam forms part of the Archaean Yilgarn block and is primarily composed of granitoid rock with dolerite dykes and is capped with laterite (Kuczera et al., 2015). Since the construction of the North Dandalup Dam, the flow patterns downstream have changed significantly, primarily because of the dam itself. These changes have been further influenced by reduced rainfall in the downstream catchment and declining groundwater levels, both of which have led to decreased local water flows (CSIRO and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, 2017).

Aboriginal culture: Numerous Aboriginal heritage sites have been documented within the North Dandalup Dam Catchment, particularly along waterways. However, not all culturally significant sites have been formally registered. European: The North Dandalup Dam project reflects the changing needs of the region, transitioning from military and post-war usage to a crucial water infrastructure element. Prior to the construction of North Dandalup Dam, the environmental site was used as a guerilla training camp for the Volunteer Defence Corps. These men were to remain behind the invading Japanese and conduct subversive warfare against them. Between February 1942 and March 1952, the camp was used as a Prisoner of War Work Camp, in which German soldiers engaged in firewood collection and stationed at this location in order to save daily travel from “ No 16 Camp at Marrinup” (Dunn, 2015).

The North Dandalup River supports local recreational, educational and aesthetic values. Local schools can utilise the dam for investigating water quality. The river also meanders past the properties of many local people to whom it has lifestyle and aesthetic values.