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Video by Josh Bennett

Dam Safety Awareness Day 2023

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District

May 11, 2023 | 2:23

On May 31st, we join together to commemorate National Dam Safety Awareness Day. On this day, we remember the lessons learned from past dam failures, push for strong dam safety programs, encourage investment in America's critical infrastructure and rededicate ourselves to the effective public-private partnerships that work to keep America's dams safe, operational and resilient.
The issue of dam safety was not widely recognized until 1889 when the failure of South Fork Dam near Johnstown, Pennsylvania claimed more than 2,200 lives. As we observe the 134th anniversary of this tragedy on May 31, we encourage you to understand the importance of dam safety, the role various parties play, and current dam safety issues.
Water is one of our most precious resources; our lives depend on it. Throughout the history of humankind, people have built dams to maximize use of this vital resource.
There are more than 90,000 dams in the United States and most states are home to hundreds, if not thousands of dams. They are an extremely important part of this nation's infrastructure equal in importance to bridges, roads, and airports.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Huntington District Dam Safety Program Uses a risk-informed approach to manage its portfolio of 44 dams, with public safety the number one priority. The primary authorized purpose for most of these dams is flood control. These projects also provide multiple benefits including recreation, water supply, fish and wildlife conservation, navigation, and hydropower. These benefits are critical to watershed management and integral to many communities.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains approximately 740 dams and associated structures nationwide that provide significant benefits to the nation, its people, business, critical infrastructure and the environment.