Skip to main content

Flood Reduction in the MWCD

The system of dams and reservoirs in the Muskingum River Watershed works as a coordinated network to reduce the effects of flooding in the watershed. These measures help conserve land, timber, and minerals and protect precious water quality. The system is operated through a partnership between the MWCD and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Since 1939, it is estimated that the benefit of flood reduction has saved property owners more than $10 billion in potential damage, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

How the Muskingum River Basin Reservoir System Works:

The reservoir system consists of 14 original dams, completed in 1938. Two other dams were added to the system decades later. This system conserves water and reduces flooding problems downstream and throughout the region.

Operation of the dam system involves a strong partnership between the MWCD and USACE. The system requires constant monitoring to efficiently regulate the water levels at each reservoir and release appropriate flow downstream.

The USACE owns and operates the dams, while MWCD is responsible for maintaining its 14 reservoirs for watershed management, including water quality initiatives throughout the region.

MWCD Lake Levels

Residents and visitors can access present stream gauge readings, current reservoir levels measured against normal levels, historical data, and “on-the-ground” results of reservoir levels featuring local landmarks, highways and other features.

This information is provided courtesy of the Huntington (WV) District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and is the same data used by the USACE as part of its management decisions.

View current lake levels

Subscribe

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
I'm interested in information about: