Dams and water resources are important because they provide water for drinking, irrigation, recreational opportunities, hydroelectric power, river navigation, flood control, and many other needs. It is important for people to have access to accurate information quickly. That’s what this website is for.

70% of the earth is covered in water. 97.5% of that is saltwater, with only 2.5% of it freshwater (useable water). Reservoirs formed by dams trap the freshwater and store it. Then when the water is needed it can be released by the dam from the reservoir and used.

The United States Society on Dams (USSD) is a national organization that works on dam engineering, construction, operation, and safety while protecting the environment. One of the goals of USSD is to provide a better understanding of dams and how important they are to everyone.