Abstract
Aging water infrastructure in the United States (U.S.) is a growing concern. In the U.S., over 90,000 dams were registered in the 2018 National Inventory of Dams (NID) database, and their average age was 57 years old. Here, we aim to assess spatiotemporal patterns of the growth of artificial water storage of the existing dams and their hazard potential and potential economic benefit. In this study, we use more than 70,000 NID-registered dams to assess the cumulative hazard potential of dam failure in terms of the total number and the cumulative maximum storage of dams over the 12 National Weather Service River Forecast Center (RFC) regions. In addition, we also estimate potential economic benefits of the existing dams based on their cumulative storage capacity. Results show that the ratios of the cumulative storage capacity to the long-term averaged precipitation range from 8% (Mid-Atlantic) to 50% (Colorado), indicating the significant anthropogenic contribution to the land surface water budget. We also find that the cumulative storage capacity of the dams with high (probable loss of human life is if the dam fails) and significant (potential economic loss and environmental damage with no probable casualty) hazard potential ranges from 50% (North Central) to 98% (Missouri and Colorado) of the total storage capacity within the corresponding region. Surprisingly, 43% of the dams with either high or significant potential hazards have no Emergency Action Plan. Potential economic benefits from the existing dams range from $0.7 billion (Mid Atlantic) to $15.4 billion (West Gulf). Spatiotemporal patterns of hazard potential and economic benefits from the NID-registered dams indicate a need for the development of region-specific preparation, emergency, and recovery plans for dam failure. This study provides an insight about how big data, such as the NID database, can provide actionable information for community resilience toward a safer and more sustainable environment.
Highlights
A dam creates an artificial water impoundment and alters the flow regime
The 2018 National Inventory of Dams (NID) database shows a slight increase in the total number of dams within the 12 River Forecast Center (RFC) regions compared with the previous report [7] (Table 1)
We succeeded to harness the 2018 NID database in order to assess the spatiotemporal patterns of the potential hydrologic impact of the exiting dams in the U.S
Summary
A dam creates an artificial water impoundment and alters the flow regime. The main goal of a dam is to provide sustainable water resources throughout the year and to increase community resilience to natural hazards such as floods and droughts [1] The artificial water impoundment alters the surrounding flow regime, downstream from the dam, by increasing low flows and decreasing high flows [2] while the hydrologic impact of a dam varies depending on the size and purpose [3]. The report raises a concern about the impact of aging water infrastructure on public safety and resilience [8]. In the report, they estimate it will require nearly US$45 billion to repair aging, yet critical, high-hazard potential dams. Spatiotemporal patterns of the hydrologic impact, cumulative hazard potential, and economic values of multiple dams at large-scale basins, such as the 12 National Weather Service River Forecasting Center (RFC) regions, have never been assessed synthetically
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
