All societies acknowledge the extraordinary benefits associated with large dams which, in the case of third world countries, are also essential for development and economic growth.
Among other things, dams guarantee water supply at large cities, allow development of agriculture, prevent territories from the effects of major floods, provide electricity of high strategic value, facilitate inland navigation in many countries, foster the establishment of new ecosystems for wildlife, contribute to the development of tourism and leisure activities…
Dams are designed in a conservative manner, constructed according to high standards and operated meticulously. However, it is undisputed that their benefits are followed by risks, often imposed over large numbers of people and properties.
History shows that dam failures are very unlikely, but they tend to be extremely burdensome for human life and the economy as a whole.Past events denote how dams designed and constructed in accordance with good practice suffered accidents, accompanied by severe catastrophic accidents.
Dams, along with the nuclear, chemical or aerospace industries, have a number of extraordinary features, essentially, the major impact that a potential breach or failure can have on population, territory, institutions and economy.
The necessary investment in dam safety turns out to be minimal when compared with construction costs, and insignificant when compared with potential damages.
The cornerstones of good dam safety practice are monitoring and surveillance, periodic dam safety reviews, tested operation procedures, regular maintenance and emergency preparedness.