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Dam safety

A dam is a barrier that impounds water and generally serves the primary purpose of retaining water. Wisconsin law defines a dam as “any artificial barrier in or across a watercourse which has the primary purpose of impounding or diverting water and includes all appurtenant works, such as a dike, canal or powerhouse”.

About Dams

Locate a Dam

Emergency Response

For reporting emergencies

Regulations

Inspections

Prepare for a dam inspection

Permits

Activities requiring a permit or approval

Grants

Assistance for dam owners

Hiring a Consultant

Participate in the safety of your dam by hiring a licensed engineers to perform regular inspections
Hiring a Consultant

Emergency Action Plan

Take steps to protect downstream lives and property
Emergency Action Plan

Projects of Special Interest

Ongoing projects of special interest for a variety of reasons
Projects of Special Interest

Download Available Data

Spatial and tabular data for Dams in Wisconsin
Download Available Data

Hydroelectric Generation

Background and requirements of producing hydroelectricity in Wisconsin
Hydroelectric Generation

Abandonment and Removal

Several major issues can lead to dams needing to be removed
Abandonment and Removal