Fast Facts About Dams
- Dams can fail for a number of reasons, including overtopping caused
by floods, acts of sabotage, or structural failure of materials used
in dam construction.
- The worst dam failure in the United States occurred in 1889 in Johnstown,
Pennsylvania. Over 2,200 died, with many more left homeless.
- Dams present risks but they also provide many benefits, including
irrigation, flood control, and recreation.
- Dams have been identified as a key resource of our national infrastructure
that is vulnerable to terrorist attack.
- States have the primary responsibility for protecting their populations
from dam failure. Of the approximately 79,500 dams in the United States,
state governments regulate about 95 percent.
- About 11,800 dams are classified as high-hazard potential, meaning that their failure from any means, including a terrorist attack, could result in loss of life, significant property damage, lifeline disruption, and environmental damage.
Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 13:06:39 EDT