Contact(s)
The GRCA owns 28 dams in the Grand River watershed and there are over 100 dams owned by others.
While all GRCA 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 |
GRCA booms and buoys
GRCA 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. View an infographic showing the dangers of this recirculating current/boil created by dams. |
Flows and safety |
The GRCA's 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 flowsThe GRCA has 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 the GRCA 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. |