Dams

DNR Dam Contacts by County: Water Management Engineer Contact information

Permits and/or approvals

Permits or approvals are required for the activities listed below. The permits are required for large and small dams on both navigable and nonnavigable waterways (streams, creeks, or rivers). A fee is required.

Responsibilities of a Dam Owner

Dam ownership carries significant legal and financial responsibility, and every dam owner needs to be aware of their obligation to safely manage and operate their dam. Dam owners may be liable if their dam fails and causes loss of life or damage to…

Dam Safety Newsletters

To stay in touch with what's going on in the Wisconsin Dam Safety Program, subscribe to Dam Safety News. (On your first time you will be asked to enter your email address.) Dam Safety News is an electronic newsletter highlighting updates and…

New dam construction

Dam construction A dam is any artificial barrier in or across a watercourse which has the primary purpose of impounding or diverting water. A dam includes all appurtenant works, such as a dike, canal or powerhouse.

Inspections

Owners of dams are responsible for participating in the safety of their dams by performing regular and required inspections. There are two types of inspections that owners are responsible for – routine inspections conducted by the owner themselves…

History of Dams in Wisconsin

The first dam built in Wisconsin was built in 1809 to provide power for a sawmill on the Fox River, DePere. Black River saw its first sawmill in 1819 and in 1831 one was built on the Wisconsin River. These early dams aided people in providing…

Hydroelectric generation

Hydroelectric generation is the production of power using flowing water. Hydroelectric dams in Wisconsin are regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, many are also regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory…

Dam related grants

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been able to provide some assistance in the form of grants to dam owners. Section 31.385, Wis. Stats., has established two grants. Municipal dam grant Dam removal grant Links for municipal dam…

Emergency information

Contact proper authorities to report dam failure or public concern for dam safety.