How does ASCE define water resources?
America’s water resources infrastructure is made up of a system of dams, inland waterways, and levees, which are crucial to our economy, public safety, and the preservation of the environment.
Present in all 50 states, dams serve a wide range of needs, such as water storage, irrigation, hydropower, and flood control. Inland waterways, which function as the U.S. freight network’s “water highway”, are the series of locks, dams, and navigable channels that serve a major role in moving commercial goods. Levees, which are typically in the form of earthen embankments but can also be concrete floodwalls, protect critical infrastructure during floods. In addition to protecting communities, these systems support jobs and facilitate economic activity.
Related ASCE policy statements
- PS 280 – Dam safety repair, retrofit, and rehabilitation
- PS 302 – Cost sharing in water resources infrastructure programs
- PS 408 – Planning and management for droughts
- PS 421 – Floodplain management
- PS 441 – Stormwater management
- PS 480 – Water infrastructure and facilities construction funding
- PS 511 – National Levee Safety Program
- PS 545 – Flood risk management
Talking points
- Many water resources assets have reached the end of their design life. The average age of our dams is 63 years, while the nation’s levees are, on average, 50 years old.
- Dams, levees, and inland waterways showed room for improvement on the 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. Dams and levees received D grades, while inland waterways received a 'D+'.
- The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is key biennial legislation that ASCE strongly advocates for. A final WRDA agreement still needs to be reached before the end of 2024.
- Congressional action is needed for the National Dam Safety Program reauthorization. The National Dam Safety Program is a small but vital program that enables states to improve their dam safety programs. The program provides training, technical assistance, research funding, public awareness, and support to states through incentive grant awards that encourage states to improve their programs. While funds cannot be used to repair dams, these targeted funds help advance the national effort to improve dam safety. The National Dam Safety Program's authority expired on September 30, 2023.
ASCE advocacy highlights
- September 4, 2024 - Coalition letter to House and Senate conferees supporting inclusion of National Dam Safety Program reauthorization in final WRDA agreement
- July 16, 2024 - Letter to House leadership in support of H.R. 8812, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024
- July 11, 2024 - Memorandum on House and Senate Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) bills
- December 13, 2023 - Coalition letter to Congressional leaders on priorities for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024
- August 12, 2022 – ASCE letter to Senate Environment & Public Works Committee House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee asking support for key provisions in final Water Resources Development Act of 2022
- May 31, 2022 – Memorandum on Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2022
ASCE staff contact
Matthew McGinn - Senior Manager, Government Relations