Contact(s)
We own 28 dams in the Grand River watershed and there are over 100 dams owned by others.
While all of our dams on navigable waterways are marked with booms and buoys between May and October, some that are privately owned are not marked and may not be easy to see.
Dams, both large and small, are danger zones! Make safety a priority.
Booms, buoys, signage and fencing |
Our booms and buoys
Our dam danger signs
Fencing and barriers
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Low-head dam danger! |
Compared to our larger multi-purpose dams, low-head or "run of the river" dams may not be as visible from upstream. Don't let their smaller size fool you - they are danger zones as well, and in fact, they are sometimes called "drowning machines". Like larger dams, low-head dams can create an underwater recirculating current that is nearly impossible to escape. This current, know as a "boil", can be so strong that it may pull you under water, even while wearing a lifejacket. Never swim, walk on, fish, or boat near these dams. Why are low-head dams so dangerous?
View an infographic showing this process (234KB PNG). |
Flows and safety |
Our seven large dams serve two purposes: flood mitigation and flow augmentation. Dam operators may change how much water passes through a dam at any time - without warning - making the area downstream hazardous. A change in the amount of water released by a dam can have an impact for several kilometres downstream. Check river flowsWe have dozens of automatic water level gauges on rivers and streams at important locations throughout the Grand River watershed. The information from the gauges is relayed to our head office and is available on our website. The website is updated every hour, usually around the half-hour. |
Winter safety |
Stay off unmonitored frozen water bodies. Even though ice on rivers and reservoirs and near dams may look thick, there can be hidden dangers:
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More info for swimmers, boaters and anglers |
Read our water safety page for important safety information for swimmers, boaters and anglers. |
Water and dam safety tips for kids |
We published a 12-page easy-to-read booklet on water safety tips for kids. It covers river and dam safety, as well as safety when swimming, fishing and boating. Copies are available at our Administration Centre. We can also accommodate bulk orders for school classes located in the Grand River watershed. For bulk orders email Naomi Moore, Water Resources Project Coordinator. |