Benefits of Dams to Society

Following are links to articles which describe the Benefits of Dams. The articles first appeared in the USSD Newsletter, published three times each year for USSD Members.

The Benefits of Dams to Society -- Did you know...?

• Cagles Mill Dam prevents flooding in the Midwest
• Grand Coulee Dam benefits began during WWII and continue
• Nagarjunasagar Dam in India transforms regional economy
• Austin saved from serious flooding
• Flood control dams in Connecticut protect lives and property
• New Big Cherry Dam helps communities weather drought
• Ware Shoals Hydroelectric Project contributes to South Carolina economy
• Fern Ridge Dam in Oregon prevents flooding
• Pink salmon runs have increased since construction of Culmback Dam
• Two hydropower dams are nearly invisible to fish
• Kaneohe Flood Control Project has prevented millions of dollars in flood damages
• Summersville Dam releases provide world class whitewater
• Hydropower Avoids Carbon Emissions
• USBR's North Platte Project benefits include irrigation, recreation, hydropower and flood control
• Skagit River dams prevented October 2003 floods
• Hydropower eases Northeast Blackout
• National Inventory of Dams provides statistics about dams
• Reservoirs alleviate drought impacts
• Seven Oaks Dam cited for flood protection and environmental preservation
• Missouri River Dams prevent significant flood damages
• Susquehanna Dams limit sediment deposits in the Chesapeake Bay
• Wisconsin River Operations Enhanced by Unique Partnership
• Alabama Power Company Reservoirs Alleviate Effects of Drought
• Seattle City Light cited for environmental accomplishments
• Lake Ho dam modification resulted in dramatic improvements to wildlife habitat
• Kilbourn Dam provides access to Wisconsin attraction, the Upper Dells
• Oroville Dam Prevents More Than One Billion in Flood Damages
• San Jose, California, protected by Lexington Dam
• DRI study says Truckee River dams saved Reno, Nevada
• Corps of Engineers dams prevent Missouri River flood damages
• California's Central Valley dams prevented a disaster in January 1997
• Kingsley Dam provides habitat for more than 280 species of birds
• Summer and winter recreation available at Harris Dam
• Dams contribute significantly to reducing air pollution.
• Dams have played an important role in the Olympics
• Wolford Mountain: A model for future high-altitude water storage projects
• Wetland Interpretive Trails at Glendo Reservoir
• Construction of new dams is Increasing
• Almost 1,700 hydroelectric projects authorized by FERC
• International kayaking competition is held on the Savage River