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 and professional inspections conducted by a Professional Engineer hired by the owner.

Routine inspections by owners (all dams)

The owner of a dam needs to inspect their dam on a regular basis and after any high-water event. The purpose of this type of inspection is to look for changes that may indicate the need for repairs or the existence of serious deficiencies that if left unaddressed could lead to failure of the dam.

Detailed information on how to conduct routine inspections can be found on the Owner Inspection page.

Owner responsible professional inspections (large dams)

Chapter 31, Wis. Stats., requires owners of large dams to hire a professional engineer (PE) with experience in dams to inspect their dams periodically. The frequency of inspections completed by a professional engineer are related to the hazard rating of the dam:

• high hazard large dams – PE inspection every two years
• Significant hazard large dams – PE inspection every three to four years
• Low hazard large dams – PE inspection every 10 years

Detailed information for the professional engineer inspecting your dam can be found on the Professional Inspections page.

Dam owners should participate in the professional inspections, as well as any inspection completed by DNR. Owners can learn what to look for, where to take photos, recordkeeping techniques, and how to read any gages or instruments. In turn, engineers can gain insight into the day-to-day operation of the dam as well as concerns or changes at the dam from the owner.

Use the Individual dam search to check the inspection schedule for a specific dam.

Contact information

DNR Dam Safety
DNR Dam Safety Program, WT/3
101 S Webster St
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707–7921