Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 22, 2025
Contact: Matt Sabas, Senior PR and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, matthew.sabas@dcr.virginia.gov
Governor Youngkin declares May 31 Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia
Know your risk, know your role and take action
RICHMOND, Va. – Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued a proclamation recognizing May 31 as Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia.
National Dam Safety Awareness Day honors the lives lost during the catastrophic failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1889. The Johnstown disaster killed over 2,000 people and remains the worst dam-related disaster in the history of the United States. It serves as a reminder that dam infrastructure must be safely maintained.
Virginia is home to more than 2,500 dams regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, including 527 high and likely high hazard dams. These dams pose the greatest threat to life and property if they were to fail, but most high hazard dams are well maintained. Many play a critical role in flood control, water supply, fisheries and recreation.
“The Youngkin Administration has prioritized addressing the backlog of Virginia’s aging dams,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Stefanie Taillon. “By emphasizing ownership identification as well as hazard classification, we have been able to identify priority dams that pose risks to the Commonwealth and its citizens. While the Department of Conservation and Recreation has made strides in addressing the backlog, we continue to remind dam owners of the risks and responsibilities that are present.”
Heavy rains, improper maintenance and aging infrastructure can all impact the safety of dams. The average age of dams in Virginia is 76 years old, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ National Inventory of Dams.
“Dam Safety Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of dam safety and the collective responsibility of individuals and communities to ensure the integrity of dams,” said DCR Director Matthew Wells.
DCR encourages individuals and communities to take these actions to increase awareness about dam safety:
Know your risk. Determine your flood risk and find out if you live in a dam break inundation zone by visiting the Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS), by contacting your local emergency management agency or DCR Dam Safety Program staff.
Know your role. Be aware of potential maintenance issues and report them to dam owners, DCR Dam Safety officials and local authorities immediately. Visible cracks and damage, erosion, leakage, overgrown vegetation and clogged spillways are all signs of neglect.
Take action. Protect your property by maintaining flood insurance if you live near or below a dam. Have a plan in place for your family or workplace should you need to evacuate quickly because of a dam failure. DCR is the agency to contact if you have concerns about a dam. You can reach DCR's Dam Safety Division staff at 804-371-6095 or dam@dcr.virginia.gov.
To learn more about dams and dam safety in Virginia, please visit DCR’s Dam Safety Education page: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/ds-education.
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