A new web-based application, DamWatch, is available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to monitor dams and keep communities safe, according to a USDA news release.
Through a secure interactive web, DamWatch will collect and process real-time data of rainfall, snowmelt, stream flow and seismic events from nearly 12,000 dams across the country.
With tools like this, USDA is using the newest technologies to meet our mission, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. This tool provides a ‘one-stop’ source for accessing critical documents, databases, onsite electronic monitoring devices and geospatial information. The intent is to help keep the public safe and protect infrastructure.
DamWatch was valuable during May’s record rainfalls. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was able to focus their response efforts from the nearly 1,000 DamWatch alerts.