Iowa has 177 low-head dams in 57 of the state’s 99 counties. “Low-head” dams span the river and are less then 20 feet high (many just 2-5 feet high). The dams often are deceptively dangerous “drowning machines.” Since 1900, at least 163 people have been killed in the deadly recirculating currents that form below these dams — 31 since 1998. The drop below the dam can be nearly invisible from upstream, and the treacherous “boil” below the dam can appear harmless.
Dams also block the movement of fish and other aquatic life up and down rivers, harm the health and biodiversity of Iowa’s rivers, require costly repairs, and pose major liability concerns.
Iowa Rivers Revival is distributing “Iowa Low-head Dam Modification Success Stories” booklet this week to more than 800 recipients around Iowa – especially to communities, public officials, and private owners related to the 177 low-head dams remaining in Iowa. The booklet includes stories and details of 13 low-head dam modifications in towns across Iowa — 12 since 2010. Stories include local partners and decision-making, cost of modification, funding sources, design features and photos. The booklet also discusses the history of low-head dams in Iowa, benefits of dam modification, sources of planning assistance, and a guide for community action. Dam modification success stories included in the booklet are dams at Boone, Charles City, Elkader, Goldfield, Klondike Mill (Lyon Co.), Manchester, North Washington (Chickasaw Co.), Quaker Mill (Delaware Co.), Quasqueton, Rockford, Story City, Vernon Springs (Howard Co.), and Warner’s Ford (Allamakee Co.).
The new booklet also is available for free by download here.