What We Know (And Don't Know) About Low-Head Dams

The combination of increased public use of waterways for fishing, swimming, boating, and paddle sports; lack of public understanding or appreciation of forces, currents, and changing hazards around low-head dams; paucity of upstream and downstream warning signs or hazard markers; and somewhat limited efforts by state dam and boating safety programs, has left public safety at and around low-head dams in most parts of the country untethered to any regulatory standards. Owners of low-head dams who accept the responsibility to warn and educate the public about the hazards created around these structures, should be aware of established state and federal warning system standards and guidelines.