Aging Smaller Dams

Aging Smaller Dams in Rural America

Since the 1950s, builders constructed thousands of small dams in mostly rural communities.
Federal funding supported these “watershed dams” to prevent flooding, supply drinking water, protect wildlife, and offer recreation.
At the time, these dams posed little risk.
If one failed, it might flood a field or damage a barn.
However, many rural areas have since grown into developed communities.
Now, a dam failure could cause serious damage.
Many dams show signs of wear, and about 60% have reached the end of their intended lifespan.

What the New Report Reveals

Today’s WatchBlog post highlights a new report on watershed dam conditions.
The report also explains efforts to improve dam safety.
As communities expand, the risk from aging dams grows.
Many dams now sit near homes, roads, and public utilities.
If one fails, it could cause loss of life or major damage.
Nearly one-third of watershed dams fall into this high-risk category.

Do You Live Near a Watershed Dam?

You might live near one and not know it.
Nearly 12,000 watershed dams exist across the country.
Builders placed most of them on small waterways like creeks.
They used large earthen walls to control flooding in agricultural areas.
To check your location, visit the Army Corps National Inventory of Dams.
This online database covers nearly 93,000 dams, including watershed dams.

Why These Dams Raise Concern

Originally, experts considered these dams low-risk.
They stood in unpopulated or undeveloped areas.
But as cities and suburbs expanded, the risk increased.
Today, many dams sit near homes, highways, and utilities.
If they fail, the damage could be severe.

Age isn’t the only issue.
Some dams suffer from poor maintenance.
Others face threats from extreme weather, like heavy rain.
Even newer, well-maintained dams can fail under stress.
The USDA estimates that most watershed dams are nearly 70 years old.
That’s 20 years beyond their expected lifespan.