About Us
About American Dams
American Dams is a nonprofit organization committed to the education, protection, and responsible operation of dams for public benefit. We work alongside regulatory agencies, dam owners, and stakeholders to promote dam safety and environmental stewardship.
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance dam safety, support efficient regulatory processes, and increase public knowledge of the essential services dams provide such as flood control, water supply, recreation, and renewable hydropower.
The Importance of Dams and Hydropower
Dams have supported human civilization for more than 6,000 years, originally built to manage floodwaters and support agriculture. Over time, these structures evolved alongside engineering advances, leading to the development of hydroelectric power—one of the world’s oldest and most reliable sources of renewable energy.
Today, hydroelectric dams do far more than generate electricity. In the United States, they play a critical role in supporting communities, protecting infrastructure, and providing clean, dependable energy with a low environmental footprint.
Did you know?
- The U.S. has nearly 90,000 dams, many serving multiple public purposes
- Hydropower supplies nearly half of all renewable electricity generated in the United States
- Hydroelectric facilities can operate for 50–100 years, far longer than most energy infrastructure
- Hydropower produces electricity without burning fuel, resulting in some of the lowest lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of any energy source
- In addition to energy, dams support flood control, water supply, recreation, navigation, and water quality
Hydropower remains a vital part of America’s energy and water infrastructure. When managed responsibly, dams provide long-term public benefits while adapting to modern safety standards and environmental priorities.