Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees (also known as dikes) are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions.

Dec 12, 2025 · dam, structure built across a stream, a river, or an estuary to retain water. Dams are built to provide water for human consumption, for irrigating arid and semiarid lands, or for use in industrial …

Jun 21, 2024 · A dam is a structure built across a stream or river to hold water back. Dams can be used to store water, control flooding, and generate electricity.

19 hours ago · Environment Satellites show dozens of U.S. dams are sinking. More could be at risk. Researchers detected subtle shifts in the height of all 41 structures they studied in 13 states and …

By storing and managing water flow, dams have helped improve agriculture, urban water supply, and power generation, making them critical for economic growth and disaster prevention. Dams serve …

Oct 22, 2025 · The National Inventory of Dams (NID) documents all known dams in the United States and its territories that meet certain criteria.

May 30, 2025 · Dams are some of the most important and fascinating structures innovated by human civilization. They help us control water, generate energy, grow food, and protect lives.

Think about your impressions of dams and the reservoirs behind them that you have seen. Large concrete dams have grandeur, and the huge lakes that they contain are often sited in attractive …

Feb 5, 2019 · Dams provide valuable resources like hydropower and water, but they have a complicated history. Learn more about the history of dams and the role they play in shaping America’s …

Water is one of our most precious resources; our lives depend on it. Throughout the history of humankind, people have built dams to maximize use of this vital resource. Dams provide a life …