 Dams in British Columbia
Water storage dams are generally built to supply water for domestic, industrial, conservation, or agricultural use, or for the production of electricity. In British Columbia, these dams are usually situated at the higher elevations so as to use gravity for distribution and to gain benefit from the plentiful rainfall and snowmelt.
Many of these dams are located above major population centres. Due to the effects of gravity, the water stored behind a dam can have immense potential energy that if released in an uncontrolled manner, such as the result of a dam failure or mis-operation of the works could cause loss of life, great social and economic loss and severe environmental damage to the drainage area downstream. Who Is Responsible?
 Dam Safety Program
The function of administering the licensed dams is carried out by regional and headquarters offices. Dams 9 metres or greater are the responsibility of Headquarters and dams below 9 metres are a regional responsibility.
Dam Safety Regulations provide guidance on the application process as well as reporting and inspection guidelines.
 Additional guidelines and documents relevant to Dam Safety:
The following links provide more information on Dam Safety:
The following are dam-related links of interest:
Major Hydro Dam Owners:
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