The United States has removed approximately 2,350 dams between 1912 and 2025 to restore natural river ecosystems [1].
These removals represent a critical shift in land management as federal and state agencies prioritize ecological health over aging infrastructure. By eliminating these barriers, the U.S. aims to reconnect fragmented river miles, which allows fish populations to migrate and restores natural water flows.
American Rivers, an environmental organization, tracks these efforts across the country. The organization said the drive to remove aging or ecologically harmful dams has accelerated in recent years. This trend is driven by the need to improve aquatic habitats and remove structures that no longer serve their original industrial or utility purposes.
Last year saw a record amount of river miles reconnected [1]. This surge in activity reflects a broader strategy to reverse the environmental damage caused by the widespread damming of American waterways during the early 20th century. Many of these structures, often referred to as deadbeat dams, have become liabilities that pose safety risks or obstruct vital biological corridors.
While the process of decommissioning a dam is complex, the long-term benefits include the restoration of sediment transport, and the recovery of native species. These projects often involve coordination between state governments, federal agencies, and non-profit organizations to ensure that the removal does not cause downstream flooding or instability.
The historical scale of this effort is significant. From 1912 through 2025, the removal of 2,350 dams [1] marks a transition toward a more sustainable approach to water management. As more states identify obsolete structures, the pace of reconnection is expected to remain high.
“The United States has removed approximately 2,350 dams between 1912 and 2025”
The acceleration of dam removals indicates a policy pivot from industrial water control toward ecological restoration. By prioritizing the reconnection of river miles, the U.S. is attempting to mitigate a century of habitat fragmentation, which is essential for the survival of migratory fish and the overall resilience of freshwater biodiversity.
