Dam Safety Is a Top Priority at TVA

TVA Continuously Updates Dam Safety Program to Meet Current Industry Standards

National Dam Safety Awareness Day commemorates the 1889 failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The dam failure took more than 2,200 lives and was the worst dam failure in the history of the United States.

This day also serves to encourage and promote individual and community responsibility for dam safety and provide information on what steps can be taken to prevent future catastrophic dam failures.

“While dams provide many benefits to communities, such as recreation, a supply of drinking water and improved wildlife habitats, they can also pose a significant flood risk if they fail,” said Jennifer Dodd, general manager of TVA’s Dam Safety organization. “Dam safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone is encouraged to know their risk and benefits, know their role and take action when necessary.”

Dam safety inspectors use ropes to get a closer look at critical equipment on its dams.

TVA Dam Safety Program

TVA has a long history of safe operations of its dams and has a robust dam safety program. Every TVA dam is checked regularly to make sure it is safe and the equipment used to operate it is working properly, Dodd said. Because many of these dams were built in the 1930s—and the dams TVA purchased are even older—TVA has worked diligently to make sure that they continue to meet modern industry standards and safety regulations that enable TVA’s dams to perform well during floods and even earthquakes.

TVA monitors its dams routinely, performs maintenance and repair of aging structures, and continuously updates its Dam Safety Program to meet current industry standards through instrumentation, inspection and maintenance. TVA Dam Safety staff also regularly interacts with other dam safety professionals from across the country and around the world at industry conferences and through continuing education, and the program itself undergoes an independent review by recognized industry experts every three years.

“We encourage everyone to be aware of the dams in your area, because knowledge and awareness is an important part of dam safety,” Dodd said. “For example, having an emergency action plan in place for your family or business can save you money and potentially prevent loss of life. Know what to do and where to go if you must evacuate.

“National Dam Safety Awareness Day is a good time to inform your friends and neighbors about dams in the area and to contact your local dam safety official or local emergency management agency for more information.”

Water flows through tunnels from Apalachia Dam in North Carolina to the powerhouse downstream. That tunnel must be inspected regularly to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Dangerous Areas Surrounding Dams

If you like fishing or enjoy swimming and boating on TVA-managed reservoirs, you need to be aware of the possible hazards surrounding dams, locks and powerhouses. A large amount of water can be discharged through a dam’s spillway or through powerhouse turbines with little warning at any time. Stay alert for warnings, such as sirens, and take action quickly.

Even if you’re an experienced boater, angler or swimmer, it pays to know the signs of rising water and the rules you should follow to ensure your safety.

TVA has installed horns, strobe lights, warning signs and electronic spillway signs with strobe lights and horns at several dams to warn the public of impending changes in water conditions, such as swirling water, strong surface and underwater currents, rapidly rising water and sudden water surges. In addition, warning signs and danger buoys near some dams identify hazardous areas ahead. Access to these areas is restricted at all times.

To ensure your safety, please obey these warning devices.

Learn more about #WaterWins and staying safe when near dams.

FEMA provides information to the public on actions they can take to reduce their risk.

Additional information on national dam safety is available here.