Purposes of Dams
From ASDSO Dam Safety Toolbox
Dams serve a variety purposes including water storage, flood protection, power generation, tailings storage, or recreation. The design of a dam is heavily influenced by its intended purpose; however, the purpose of a dam can change over the course of its design life due to changes in the surrounding community or in site conditions. No matter the purpose of a dam, safety to the public is the number one priority over any potential benefits.