Page 5 - MCD "Our Region's Water" Brochure
P. 5
5
How the system works
The ood protection system is ingeniously simple. Water ows through the ve dams’ conduits
(very large concrete openings) during normal river ows. When the river rises higher than the conduit, water
is stored upstream in the retarding basin (land set aside to store oodwaters behind the dams).
The excess water is released over
a period of days to weeks. The ve dams and basins can store up to 274 billion gallons of oodwaters.
Levees in the cities, downstream of the dams, keep oodwaters within
the river banks. The river channel and undeveloped oodplains provide an expanded area for the swollen river to ow.
Here for you
On-going maintenance of the system is a high priority. After nearly 100 years of service, MCD’s ood protection continues to be a model of excellence, serving our communities.
MCD’s ood protection dams and 55 miles of levee protect 47,000 properties in ve counties.
Photo: Ryan Hulvat
