Dams and reservoirs
A resilient network of dams and reservoirs is vital for managing water scarcity, climate extremes and long term community needs. Our independent experts support owners and operators globally with dam safety engineering, breach analysis, risk management, sediment management, and intelligent monitoring. By combining research, data and specialist tools, we help clients understand risk, meet regulatory expectations and operate assets with confidence.
Climate pressure on water infrastructure
Climate change is intensifying global pressures on water infrastructure. Many regions face growing scarcity, while others experience increasingly volatile flooding. Dams and reservoirs play a vital role in supplying drinking water, supporting agriculture, generating clean hydropower and protecting communities from flooding. As climate extremes increase, their safety and performance must be actively managed to ensure long‑term reliability.
Evolving risks for owners and operators
Organisations must manage ageing structures, sedimentation, shifting regulatory requirements and increasing expectations for transparency. They also need reliable tools to understand failure modes, prioritise investment and demonstrate that risks are as low as reasonably practicable.
Trusted dam and reservoir expertise worldwide
We help clients meet these challenges with confidence. Our engineers, modellers and asset management specialists apply world‑class research, numerical tools and extensive practical experience to assess, monitor and manage dam and reservoir risks. Our work includes Panel Engineer services under the Reservoirs Act 1975, developing the UK’s national guidance on reservoir risk assessment (RARS), shaping industry best practice and supporting regulators and operators worldwide.
Building long-term resilience for water systems
By combining advanced modelling, intelligent monitoring and evidence‑based advice, we help organisations operate dams and reservoirs with confidence. Our support leads to safer downstream communities, extended asset life, improved operational preparedness and more sustainable long‑term planning. Whether advising a UK water company or supporting an operator facing climatic extremes overseas, we help clients strengthen resilience, meet regulatory expectations and deliver safe, reliable water infrastructure for the future.
Dams & reservoirs expertise
Inspection and supervision of reservoirs delivered by qualified Panel Engineers under the Reservoirs Act 1975 in the UK, and equivalent dam safety inspections in other territories.
The Reservoir Safety Case (RSC) underpins safe and responsible reservoir management. It sets out the essential safety elements of design and operation, drawing on flood and seismic studies, quantitative risk assessment and demonstration that risks are as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). The RSC defines critical structures, systems and limits of safe operation. Working with specialist partners KGAL on gates and mechanical and electrical systems, our teams deliver robust Reseroir Safety Case documents you can trust.
Use of both Risk Assessment for Reservoir Safety (RARS) and bespoke methods to assess and help owners manage risk across reservoir portfolios.
Development of emergency response plans aligned with regulatory expectations.
Numerical modelling of flows, spillways, intakes and fish passes to optimise hydraulic performance.
Specification and oversight of bathymetric surveys and sediment sampling campaigns and unique reservoir sedimentation modelling to help owners understand capacity loss and plan long term sediment management strategies.
Assessment of community risk, warning times and evacuation routes to support emergency planning.
Digital O&M manuals and mobile apps using NFC and AR to support efficient operation and maintenance.
Engineering design and oversight for upgrades to dams, spillways and associated hydraulic structures.
Assessment, monitoring and management of historic dams, integrating modern safety practice with conservation principles.
Thoughtful domain expert advice to regulators or other governmental bodies such as the FCDO, Environment Agency, National Resources Wales and OFWAT, on matters of reservoir safety.
Authors and collaborators on national and international guidance, including the UK's risk assessment for reservoir safety (RARS) standards. Collaborators/leaders on some of the most significant research globally on dam breaching.
EMBREA
Dam safety assessments with HR Wallingford’s full‑featured dam breach simulation tool.
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Craig Goff
