Discover the Largest Dam in Maryland

Introduction

Have you ever been driving over a body of water and noticed a strange-looking structure? Well, chances are that it was a dam. Dams are large structures built on bodies of water such as lakes and rivers in order to regulate the flow of the water. While these impressive architectural marvels are often used to generate electricity through water displacement today, they have existed for thousands of years. The first dam on record is the Jawa Dam.

Although most dams today are built with concrete and metal, this dam was constructed with stones. Built by the ancient Mesopotamians, the Jawa Dam created a reservoir of water to irrigate crops and hydrate the village. Drawing inspiration from the Mesopotamians, the Romans also built many dams. These were used for bathhouses and general water supply to large cities. Today, more than 57,000 dams are in use around the world. These structures provide clean energy, a constant water supply, and much more. Depending on their purpose and location, dams can range in size from just a few feet high to absolutely enormous. Keep reading to discover the largest dam in Maryland, the Conowingo Dam.

The Largest Dam in Maryland

Sitting on the Susquehanna River, the Conowingo Dam is almost a century old. Construction of the dam began in 1926 and was completed just two years later in 1928. Although many dams are federally funded, the Conowingo Dam is one of the largest privately funded dams in the United States. The dam was designed by Stone and Webster and was constructed by the Arundel Corporation in Maryland. 5,000 workers flocked to the area to help with the construction, and sadly 14 perished due to unsafe working conditions. The 94-foot tall, 4,648-foot long dam harnesses a lot of electrical energy. 11 installed turbines provide a combined voltage of almost 550 megawatts of electrical power. This is enough energy to power around 180,000 homes! Because the companies that built the dam no longer exist, the Susquehanna Electric Company currently owns and operates the dam.

When intense storms or rainfall happen in the area, the Susquehanna River can flood. Luckily, the Conowingo Dam also helps with this issue. 53 floodgates make up the bottom section of the dam and are used for flood regulation and prevention. Depending on the magnitude of the flooding, these gates will periodically open to release excess water from the reservoir. Four cranes running the length of the dam operate these floodgates. They are all supported by backup generators, which ensures that they can still function in the midst of power outages and electrical surges.

Effects of the Largest Dam in Maryland

Another benefit of the largest dam in Maryland is its creation of the 14-mile-long Conowingo Reservoir. The reservoir provides drinking water to many large cities near the dam and helps with drought regulation. In addition to providing water, the reservoir makes a wonderful recreational spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. However, the construction of the dam has disrupted the natural cycle of fish migration. Because many fish species in the river migrate upstream in order to spawn, the dam has gotten in the way. Now, fish lifts have been installed in the largest dam in Maryland in order to help them with their journey. This effort ensures that the natural cycle of fish reproduction remains unbroken, even in the presence of a massive dam.

What Would Happen if the Conowingo Dam Ever Broke?

One major concern with every dam is the damage it would cause if it were to break. Well, this concern may not be so far-fetched for the Conowingo Dam. Each year thousands of pounds of sediment flow down the Susquehanna River and into the Chesapeake Bay. However, the Conowingo Dam has created a major roadblock in this process. While the dam has a built-in storage pond for this sediment, it is quickly reaching its capacity. When that happens, the dam bursting is a very possible outcome.

If the largest dam in Maryland were to burst, what would happen? Because the Conowingo Dam has created such a large reservoir, the body of water would be displaced if the dam were to ever break. This would cause immense damage. The volume and force of the flowing water would completely submerge the town of Conowingo, located on the other side of the dam.

Environmental Impact

In addition to physical damage, the bursting of the largest dam in Maryland could have catastrophic effects on wildlife. If the dam were to burst, all of the built-up sediment would be dumped into the Chesapeake Bay. The sediment would kill all of the plants growing near the bay, and clog the gills of fish swimming in the water, preventing them from breathing. While most of the sediment is full of nutrients, some of it is made up of toxic elements. Large quantities of coal, silver, bacteria, and methane gas among other harmful chemicals could completely decimate the unsuspecting ecosystem if they were to be released.

In addition to decimating existing life, the sediment would cause extreme algae blooms. This onslaught of new growth would prevent light from penetrating the water’s surface, prohibiting the photosynthesis of underwater plants. The new algae would also block surviving fish from receiving oxygen, furthering the damage. However, there is good news. Recent studies have found that the flow of sediment has greatly decreased over time. While the threat still remains, the problem seems to be much more under control than expected. This ceased flow will hopefully allow the dam to continue to operate and benefit the community, rather than destroy it.

Where is the Conowingo Dam in Maryland Located on a Map?

The largest dam in Maryland is located in the town of Conowingo. Originally nestled on the eastern shore of the Susquehanna River, the town significantly grew with the construction of the dam. Conowingo had a population of just 350 people at the start of the 20th century, and now 4,550 individuals call the town home. The town is now located further downstream because of early flooding issues and the creation of the Conowingo Reservoir. Because of the Conowingo Dam, the town is known as Maryland’s largest source of clean energy.

Aside from the dam, Conowingo is famous for its amazing ice cream. Tourists and residents of neighboring towns love coming to Conowingo for a delicious sweet treat and learning about the interesting history of how a town boomed due to clean energy.

Conclusion

The story of the Conowingo Dam is one that is both inspiring and terrifying. On one hand, the largest dam in Maryland has provided immeasurable benefits. The construction and upkeep of the dam have given thousands of jobs to the community and significantly bolstered the economy. Aside from jobs, the clean energy provided by the dam is sustainable and admirable. Although it is a small town, the Conowingo Dam provides water and energy to many large cities, including Baltimore. However, the environmental sustainability of the dam also has the potential to be incredibly destructive. If the dam were to burst, homes near it would be completely destroyed. If they were not submerged by the destruction, countless more homes would be without power for the foreseeable future.