Germantown, Ohio — The Miami Conservancy District (MCD) has begun a critical infrastructure project at Germantown Dam in Montgomery County — a repair that is essential to protecting thousands of lives and billions in property value across Southwest Ohio.
The Concrete Repair project, which will take several months to complete, is focused on one of the dam’s most important structural elements: the internal concrete conduit that carries floodwaters safely through the dam. Damage or failure in this area could compromise the dam’s ability to function, increasing the risk of uncontrolled water release during a flood event.
“Our job is to make sure these dams don’t fail — ever,” said MaryLynn Lodor, General Manager at the Miami Conservancy District. “This repair is not routine. It’s essential. If this structure were to weaken or fail during a major storm, the results downstream could be catastrophic. This work ensures Germantown Dam continues doing its job — holding back billions of gallons of floodwater and keeping communities safe.”
A Dam with a Critical Mission
Germantown Dam is an earthen embankment that spans 1,210 feet across Twin Creek. Constructed in 1920, the dam has protected generations of families, businesses, and infrastructure. It’s capable of storing up to 34.55 billion gallons of floodwater and managing it through two massive conduits — each 546 feet long, 9.1 feet high, and 13 feet wide — that run through the bottom of the dam.
The current repair focuses on the concrete floor inside the right conduit, where signs of wear and stress require immediate intervention. The project includes:
“This isn’t just about maintenance — this is about preventing structural failure,” says Don O’Connor, Chief Engineer. “The dam’s strength is non-negotiable, and this repair is absolutely critical to its continued safety and reliability.”
Protecting the Region from Catastrophic Flooding
Germantown Dam is part of a larger system of five dry dams that protect the Great Miami River Watershed. These dams were built in response to the 1913 flood disaster, which killed hundreds and caused widespread devastation. The system was designed to prevent that level of destruction from ever happening again — but it only works if the structures are kept in top condition.
“Every time it rains hard, this system goes to work,” Lodor said. “People may not see it, but Germantown Dam is constantly protecting them. That’s why repairs like this can’t wait.”
A Warning, and a Commitment
As climate change increases the frequency of severe weather, dams across the country are under greater stress. Without immediate repair, even small weaknesses in a structure like Germantown Dam can turn into major vulnerabilities. MCD’s commitment is clear: these dams must remain strong — not just for today, but for the next century of storms.
To learn more about the Germantown Dam and the legacy of protection it provides, visit www.mcdwater.org.
