Dams in Puerto Rico

Dam Safety in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has 36 dams tracked in the National Inventory of Dams. Of these, 36 (100%) are classified as high hazard — meaning failure would probably cause loss of human life — and 0 are classified as significant hazard. Currently, 12 dams in the state have a condition assessment of poor or unsatisfactory, indicating recognized safety deficiencies.

The average dam in Puerto Rico is 73 years old. As dams age, inspection frequency and maintenance become increasingly important for ensuring public safety. The most common purpose for dams in Puerto Rico is hydroelectric, accounting for 17 of the state's dams.

The federal inventory is not every dam in Puerto Rico. It includes dams rated high or significant hazard, plus low-hazard dams above a size threshold (taller than 25 feet holding more than 15 acre-feet, or taller than 6 feet holding more than 50 acre-feet). Small, older dams below that line are usually left out, even though they can still shape the streams around them. The state's own dam safety program often tracks many more, and it is the agency that inspects most of them.

Use the search above to find dams near any address in Puerto Rico, or browse by county below. Each dam listing includes its hazard potential classification, condition assessment, physical characteristics, and inspection history from the NID.

Puerto Rico Dam Facts

Notable Dams in Puerto Rico

Explore Puerto Rico Dams

Counties in Puerto Rico

High Hazard Dams in Puerto Rico