Governor Spanberger declares May 31 Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. – Governor Abigail Spanberger has issued a proclamation recognizing May 31 as Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia, highlighting the role dams play in protecting communities, supporting water supply, and providing recreation across the Commonwealth while emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance, operation, and public awareness. 

National Dam Safety Awareness Day honors the lives lost during the catastrophic failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1889. The Johnstown disaster killed over 2,000 people and remains the worst dam-related disaster in the history of the United States. It serves as a reminder that dam infrastructure must be safely designed and maintained. 

Virginia is home to more than 2,400 regulated dams, many of which are privately owned. These structures can provide benefits like flood control and water storage. However, aging infrastructure, changing weather patterns, and increased downstream development underscore the need for vigilance and proactive dam safety practices. 

“Dam Safety Awareness Day is an opportunity to remind Virginians that these structures require ongoing responsibility,” said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. “At DCR, we are committed to working with dam owners, local governments, and emergency managers to ensure dams are properly maintained and that communities are prepared.” 

DCR’s Dam Safety Program oversees the regulation, inspection and rehabilitation of dams throughout the Commonwealth. The agency works closely with dam owners to ensure compliance with safety standards and provides technical assistance to reduce risks associated with dam failure. 

“Routine inspections, maintenance and emergency planning are the backbone of dam safety,” said DCR Chief Engineer Andrea Henry. “Even small dams can pose significant risks if they are not properly managed. We encourage dam owners to stay engaged with DCR resources and for the public to understand the potential hazards in their communities.” 

Dam Safety Awareness Day also serves as a reminder for residents to learn whether they live, work, or travel in areas that could be impacted by a dam failure and to become familiar with local emergency action plans. 

DCR encourages individuals and communities to take these actions to increase awareness about dam safety: 

Know your risk. Determine your flood risk and find out if you live in a dam break inundation zone by visiting the Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS), by contacting your local emergency management agency or DCR Dam Safety Program staff. 

Know your role. Be aware of potential maintenance issues and report them to dam owners, DCR Dam Safety officials and local authorities immediately. Visible cracks and damage, erosion, leakage, overgrown vegetation and clogged spillways are all signs of neglect. 

Take action. Protect your property by maintaining flood insurance if you live near or below a dam. Have a plan in place for your family or workplace should you need to evacuate quickly because of a dam failure. DCR is the agency to contact if you have concerns about a dam. You can reach DCR’s Dam Safety Division staff at 804-371-6095 or dam@dcr.virginia.gov. 

To learn more about dams and dam safety in Virginia, please visit DCR’s Dam Safety Education page: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/ds-education.