A dam is a barrier constructed for the purpose of storing water, including water containing any other substance such as the tailings from mining projects. Dams can be constructed from a variety of materials including earth, concrete, timber and metal.

Dams are located throughout Alberta and vary in size. They are constructed as single or multi-purpose structures for the following:

• Fishing and recreation
• Flood control
• Hydropower development
• Industry
• Irrigation and agriculture, including livestock watering
• Municipal/household water supply
• Tailings containment
• Wastewater containment, including sewage lagoons

Dams can be located either on-stream or off-stream. In Alberta, on-stream dams have been constructed on most major rivers and tributaries to store spring runoff. The storage reservoirs created by these dams provide water year-round for the various uses mentioned above. Most have become multi-use facilities and serve as the cornerstone in the development and management of water resources in Alberta’s river basins.

River flows in Alberta are variable year-round as they are primarily fed by glacial and/or snowmelt in the spring and precipitation during the remainder of the year. Highest flows typically arrive in the spring, allowing reservoirs to be filled before the dry summer months when water demands reach their peak.

Off-stream dams are typically used to collect storm water, hold mining tailings, or as sewage lagoons or industrial water supply and storage.

Dams pose risks and consequences, especially in the case of a breach or failure; therefore, it is important to understand what a dam is, where they are located and who is responsible for their safety.

The following image is an example of a dam site and highlights some common associated appurtenant structures that are important for dam operation.

For more information about dams, see:

https://www.alberta.ca/about-dams.aspx