List of dams and reservoirs in Iowa facts for kids
Dams are big walls built across rivers. They hold back water to create a large lake called a reservoir. These reservoirs are important for many reasons. They can store water for drinking, help control floods, and even create electricity. In Iowa, there are many important dams and reservoirs. This article will tell you about some of them.
Dams and Reservoirs in Iowa
A "major dam" is a very important dam. The government considers a dam "major" if it is at least 50 feet (15 m) (about 15 meters) tall and can hold a lot of water. It must store at least 5,000 acre-feet (6,200,000 m3) (about 6.2 million cubic meters) of water. Or, a dam can be major if it can hold 25,000 acre-feet (31,000,000 m3) (about 30.8 million cubic meters) of water, no matter its height.
Here is a list of some major dams and reservoirs in Iowa:
- Coralville Dam: This dam creates Coralville Lake. It is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The USACE is a part of the U.S. Army that builds and manages many public works projects, like dams and waterways.
- Dale Maffitt Dam: This dam forms the Dale Maffitt Reservoir. It helps provide water for the city of Des Moines.
- Delhi Dam: This dam created Lake Delhi. Sadly, it broke in 2010. When a dam "breaches," it means it breaks open and the water rushes out.
- Lake Icaria Dam: This dam forms Lake Icaria. It is managed by the local Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District. They help protect the land and water.
- Lock and Dam No. 9: This is a special kind of dam on the Mississippi River. It helps boats travel safely by raising or lowering them between different water levels. It also helps manage water for Big Lake and Lake Winneshiek. It is managed by the USACE.
- Lock and Dam No. 10: Another lock and dam on the Mississippi River, managed by the USACE.
- Lock and Dam No. 11: This lock and dam is also on the Mississippi River, managed by the USACE.
- Lock and Dam No. 12: Found on the Mississippi River, this is another USACE project.
- Lock and Dam No. 13: This lock and dam on the Mississippi River helps manage Lake Clinton. It is also a USACE project.
- Lock and Dam No. 14: Located on the Mississippi River, this is another important USACE lock and dam.
- Lock and Dam No. 15: This lock and dam is on the Mississippi River and is managed by the USACE.
- Lock and Dam No. 16: Another lock and dam on the Mississippi River, managed by the USACE.
- Lock and Dam No. 17: This lock and dam is also on the Mississippi River, managed by the USACE.
- Lock and Dam No. 18: Found on the Mississippi River, this is another USACE project.
- Lock and Dam No. 19: This lock and dam is on the Mississippi River and is managed by the USACE.
- Rathbun Dam: This dam creates Rathbun Lake. It is managed by the USACE.
- Red Rock Dam: This dam forms Lake Red Rock on the Des Moines River. It is managed by the USACE.
- Saylorville Dam: This dam creates Saylorville Lake. It is managed by the USACE.
- Three Mile Reservoir Dam: This dam forms Three Mile Reservoir. It is managed by the Three Mile Reservoir Agency.
