American Rivers Warns of Growing Public Safety Risks as National Dam Safety Awareness Day Highlights Dangers of Aging Dams
Contact: Hawk Hammer, National Communications and Media Director, Hhammer@americanrivers.org
Unsafe dams obstruct rivers and streams in all 50 states
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Observed annually on May 31, National Dam Safety Awareness Day marks the anniversary of the 1889 South Fork Dam failure in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, that killed 2,220 people. It is an annual opportunity to raise awareness about the threats unsafe dams can pose to lives, property, and communities as extreme weather places unplanned stress on aging river infrastructure.
“Our nation’s outdated 20th century dams are buckling under 21st century extremes and many are ticking time bombs without adequate funding to diffuse them,” said Serena McClain, who leads American Rivers Dam Removal Program. “This is not just an infrastructure issue; it is a public safety emergency.”
The US Army Corps of Engineers National Inventory of Dams catalogs more than 90,000 dams, of which the average age is north of six decades. However, the actual number of dams on our nation’s waterways exceeds half a million. Most were built in an era when their harmful impact on natural habitats were not considered, and storms and floods were not as severe.
“When dams fail, a large rush of water surges downstream sweeping away everything in its path,” said Katie Schmidt, who works on dam removal for American Rivers. “But these tragedies can be avoided with proper funding for upkeep. In many cases the most cost-effective way to ensure public safety is to remove dams, many of which no longer serve their intended purpose.”
As weather warms up for the season and more people hit the rivers to raft, float or swim, low-head dams pose a particular risk because of they create a washing machine-like effect at the base that can entrap and kill people. These dams, which can surprise recreationists by seeming to come out of nowhere given their structure, have killed more than 1,400 people.
“Low-head dams are called drowning-machines for a reason,” said Schmidt. “People and all manner of river wildlife get sucked into their deadly hydraulic and tragically they too often die.”
Low Head Dam Safety Tips Include:
- Know before you go: Use a map to see if there are low head dams on your river.
- Stay away: These unassuming dams are deadly.
- Portage the dam: Exit the water early and re-enter far downstream.
- Stay alert: Watch for signs and buoys — low head dams can be hard to see.
- Keep your distance: Dangerous currents exist both above and below the dam.
- Call 911 if someone is caught. Do not enter the water to help.
The threats that dams pose to lives and property is growing, even as investments into their upkeep and removal are being cut. American Rivers is calling on Congress and state elected leaders to restore funding to FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program and to state dam safety offices.
Additionally, increased investments in removing obsolete, hazardous and aging dams that no longer serve a purpose or rehabilitation in advance of major storms like hurricanes are vitally needed at all levels of government.
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. AmericanRivers.org