All of the District's dams are classified as High Hazard by TCEQ Dam Safety standards, in large part due to the population surrounding them. The classification is determined based on the consequences of failure and not a gauge of the condition of the dam. All dams carry risks and benefits. They are designed to slow down runoff when we receive heavy rainfall but they do not prevent all flooding and there is always potential of a structural failure. To mitigate those risks the District routinely inspects each dam and adheres to a maintenance schedule. Capital improvement projects are prioritized based on risks and funded through the existing tax revenue and recent bond sales. You can see where you are compared to the District's dams here.
Recent crises like the failure of the Oroville Dam spillway in California or the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams in Michigan, have made major headlines, highlighting the poor condition of many of the nation's dams. Without proper maintenance, routine inspection, necessary upgrades, and coordinated emergency planning, the risks associated with dams become greater. And for those living around dams or in dam-inundation areas, the risks are even greater. The issue of dam safety was not widely recognized until 1889 when the failure of South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania claimed more than 2,200 lives. As we observe the 132nd 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.