Back to top

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 top

Iowa 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 top

Electronic 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 top

Requests for Proposals

View the DNR Dam Safety recorded webinar.

An overview of the new Iowa DNR Dam Safety Administrative Rules

If you have questions about an existing pond or dam, or are planning to construct a dam, feel free to contact us.

Back to top