Across the United States, thousands of aging dams and stream barriers no longer serve the purposes for which they were built. In many cases, these structures are now more of a liability than an asset—posing safety risks, creating maintenance costs, and blocking vital ecosystems.
That’s why communities, engineers, and conservationists are increasingly turning to dam and barrier removal as a practical solution for modern water management and public safety.
The Case for Removal
Dams have long supported water supply, hydropower, navigation, and flood control. But many of them—particularly those built before 1980—are now outdated. According to the National Inventory of Dams, the average dam in the U.S. is over 60 years old, and roughly 85% are in less than satisfactory condition. Some are considered high-hazard, meaning failure could result in significant damage or loss of life downstream.
Incidents of dam failure or emergency intervention are on the rise. From 2000 to 2023, the number of dam incidents surged, with dozens of structures failing or nearly failing due to aging infrastructure and extreme weather events. When maintenance is deferred and safety risks increase, communities are left vulnerable.
A Cost-Effective Alternative
Repairing or retrofitting dams can be expensive—especially when their utility has diminished. In many documented cases, removal is 30–60% cheaper than full rehabilitation. Without revenue from water sales or hydropower, dam owners often struggle to cover the costs of upgrades. Removal provides a financially viable option, especially for dams that no longer serve a core function.
Ecological and Cultural Benefits
Removing dams does more than reduce risk—it restores ecosystems. Rivers naturally transport sediment, provide diverse aquatic habitats, and support fish populations. When dams block these processes, they disrupt the health of entire watersheds.
Dam removal reopens migratory pathways for fish such as salmon and trout, giving them access to spawning grounds and cooler upstream habitats. It also allows sediment to flow downstream, replenishing riverbeds and, in some cases, offsetting erosion.
For Tribal communities, dam removal can also mean restoring access to culturally significant fishing grounds and reviving traditional food sources.
A Growing Movement
Since 2000, over 2,000 dams and stream barriers have been removed across the U.S., driven by a mix of public safety, ecological restoration, economic practicality, and cultural revitalization. Notably, large-scale projects like the Elwha and Klamath dam removals have demonstrated the potential for wide-ranging benefits.
Looking Forward
Not every dam should be removed. Some still provide essential services and can be re-operated or maintained to meet current standards. But for structures that are unsafe, obsolete, or underperforming, removal is a smart, modern alternative that protects people, restores rivers, and saves money.
In many cases, the best way to build a safer and more sustainable future is to let the river run.
Read the Whitepaper: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2196&context=wats_facpub
