List of dams and reservoirs in Maryland facts for kids
Dams are big walls built across rivers to hold back water, creating a large artificial lake called a reservoir. In Maryland, these dams and reservoirs are super important! They help us in many ways, like storing fresh water for drinking, generating electricity, controlling floods, and even providing fun places for boating and fishing.
A "major dam" is usually quite tall, at least 50 feet (about 15 meters) high, and can hold a lot of water – enough to fill thousands of Olympic-sized swimming pools! These structures are carefully built and managed to make sure they are safe and useful for everyone.
Dams and Reservoirs in Maryland
Maryland has many important dams and reservoirs. Here is a list of some of the main ones, showing where they are and who manages them. These places are key to providing water and power for communities across the state.
- Brighton Dam and Triadelphia Reservoir: This dam helps create the Triadelphia Reservoir, which is managed by a private company called Alternative Energy Associates Ltd. Partnership.
- Burnt Mills Dam and Robert B. Morse Filtration Plant: This dam is part of the water system managed by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), which provides water to many homes in Maryland.
- Conowingo Dam and Conowingo Reservoir: This is a very large dam on the Susquehanna River. It's managed by power companies (Susquehanna Power Co. & Philadelphia Electric Co.) and is important for generating electricity.
- Cumberland Dam: Located near the city of Cumberland, Maryland on the Potomac River, this dam is privately owned and sits close to the border with West Virginia.
- Deep Creek Dam and Deep Creek Lake: This dam forms Deep Creek Lake, a popular spot for recreation. It's managed by the Pennsylvania Electric Company, which uses the water to help make electricity.
- Jennings Randolph Dam and Jennings Randolph Lake: This large dam and reservoir are managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, a government agency. It's located on the border with West Virginia and helps with flood control and water supply.
- Liberty Dam and Liberty Reservoir: This reservoir is a major source of drinking water for Baltimore, Maryland. It's managed by the Baltimore City Department of Public Works.
- Little Seneca Dam and Little Seneca Lake: This dam creates Little Seneca Lake, another important water source managed by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC).
- Loch Raven Dam and Loch Raven Reservoir: Like Liberty Reservoir, Loch Raven is a key part of Baltimore's water supply system and is managed by the Baltimore City Department of Public Works.
- Piney Run Dam and Piney Run Reservoir: This reservoir is located in Carroll County, Maryland and is managed by the county government. It's a popular park area.
- Prettyboy Dam and Prettyboy Reservoir: This is another vital reservoir that provides drinking water to Baltimore, also managed by the Baltimore City Department of Public Works.
- Rocky Gap Dam and Lake Habeeb: This dam creates Lake Habeeb, which is part of Rocky Gap State Park. It's managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and is a great place for outdoor activities.
- Rocky Gorge Dam and Rocky Gorge Reservoir: This reservoir is an important part of the water system for many communities in Maryland, managed by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
- Savage River Dam and Savage River Reservoir: This dam and reservoir are managed by the Upper Potomac River Commission and help control water flow in the Savage River.
See also
- List of dam removals in Maryland
