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Dam Safety Program
The Iowa DNR is responsible for the state's dam safety program. The program involves the review and approval for the construction of new dams, maintaining an inventory of existing dams that meet minimum size criteria and the periodic inspection of dams that pose a significant risk to downstream life and property.
Currently there are approximately 4000 dams on the state's dam inventory.
Information about Safety at Low Head Dams and Low Head Dam Mitigation can be found on our Canoeing and Kayaking page.
Back to topIowa Dam Inventory
The dam safety program maintains a database of dams in the state the meet the thresholds for the National Inventory of Dams.
Visit the Iowa Online Dam Inventory.
Back to topElectronic Document Retrieval
The DNR dam safety program has some dam files scanned and available electronically. Many of these files are limited to high and significant hazard dams.
Any person may submit their request to inspect public records by submitting their request via our our Iowa Information and Public Records Request Portal.
Back to topRequests for Proposals
View the DNR Dam Safety recorded webinar.
An overview of the new Iowa DNR Dam Safety Administrative Rules
- Adopted and File Rule Packet
- 567 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 73
- DNR Dam Safety Administrative Rules PowerPoint Slides
If you have questions about an existing pond or dam, or are planning to construct a dam, feel free to contact us.
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