Dam Safety Program

The OWRB coordinates the Oklahoma Dam Safety Program to ensure the safety of more than 4,600 dams in the state. The program requires inspections every five years for low hazard and every three years for significant hazard structures. Dam owners for each of the 318 high hazard dams, so designated due to the presence of occupied dwellings downstream of the dam, are required to have an annual inspection.

In addition, owners of dams classified as "high hazard" are required to have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place approved by the Water Resources Board and with copies of the plan provided to local law enforcement agencies and emergency management officials. OWRB staff require submittal and subsequent approval of plans and specifications prior to dam construction or modifications.

Technical assistance is offered by the Natural Resource Conservation Service in the construction of small farm ponds and related structures.

Workshops

On Saturday, January 19th, the OWRB Dam Safety Program held the first in a series of half-day workshops titled "Informal Visual Inspection and Maintenance for Dam Owners" at their Oklahoma City office (more...).

Program Currents: