Waterway & Wetland Permits: Dams

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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.”

“I want to build a dam, abandon a dam, transfer ownership of a dam or of the property a dam is located on. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?” Permits or approvals are required for any activites related to dams on both navigable and nonnavigable waterways (streams, creeks, or rivers). A fee is required.

Counties, cities, villages, towns, tribes, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, and private dam owners can apply for grant funds to remove a dam they own. Any person can apply to receive funds to remove an abandoned dam if they have obtained legal access to the property on which the dam is located.
Information related to this grant program and application forms are available at the Dam Grant Removal Program Website.

Dams

DNR Photo

Please review the DNR's Web pages on Dams for information on the history of dams in Wisconsin, dam safety regulations, and other owner information. For application forms related to dam activities, please contact the Water Management Engineer covering the county where your project is located, or visit our Dam Owner/Consultant Information.

Dam decisions are frequently controversial and lengthy because of the potential impacts on public safety, water rights and the local landscape.

Laws

Applicable statutes and codes include Chapter 31, Wis. Stats., [exit DNR].

Local permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations may also apply. We advise you to contact your local zoning office and your regional U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office [exit DNR].

Last Revised: Wednesday January 19 2011