Flood Reduction

The system of dams and reservoirs in the Muskingum River Watershed works as a coordinated network to reduce the effects of flooding in the watershed. The system is operated through a partnership between the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Once ravaged by uncontrolled floodwater, the region also benefits from MWCD programs to help conserve land, timber and minerals, and protect precious water quality.

How the Muskingum River Basin Reservoir System Works:

The reservoir system consists of 14 original dams. These dams, which consist of earthen dams and one concrete dam, were completed in 1938. Two other dams were added to the system decades later. The creation of the coordinated system conserves water and reduces flooding problems downstream and throughout the region.

Operation of the dam system involves a strong partnership between the MWCD and USACE. The system requires constant monitoring to efficiently regulate the water levels at each reservoir and release appropriate flow downstream.

The USACE owns and operates the dams, while MWCD is responsible for maintaining its 14 reservoirs for watershed management, including water quality initiatives throughout the region.