Unsafe Dam Rehabilitation

The Dam Safety Section evaluates the safety of operating dams and maintains a priority list of “Unsafe” Dams.  “Unsafe” means that safety deficiencies in a dam or spillway COULD result in failure of the dam with subsequent loss of human life or significant property damage. 

In 1988, the Legislature established a Dam Repair Fund designed to provide the Department the money necessary to initiate emergency actions associated with an imminent dam failure.  Money expended by the Department on an emergency action is to be reimbursed by lien money recovered from the owner of the dam.  The Director may also loan and/or grant money from the Fund to owners for repairs or removal to dam classified as being in an unsafe, non-emergency condition due to severe safety deficiencies. The Fund could also be used for engineering and scientific studies related to unsafe dams.  Fees for applications and dam inspections are deposited into the Fund.  In 1988, the Legislature provided $2.5 million to the Fund for the repair of two unsafe dams.  In 2005, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission transferred $950,000 to the Fund towards emergency repairs of a dam. 

Dam Repair Case Studies

Reconstructing River Reservoir No. 3 - From Emergency Action to Breach to Safe Operation in 21 Months