Temporary Water Dams / Barriers

02 Jul.,2024

 

Temporary Water Dams / Barriers

A temporary water dam, or temporary water barrier being inflated

Temporary water dams (Temporary Water Barriers) are used as water controlling measures, typically when some construction task needs to be completed on a waterbed. The contractors will buy the temporary water dam, and place it around the areas where they need to put up a structure, such as a bridge. The temporary water dam will prevent the water from covering the area, and once the area dries up, then the work can begin. Working in an area where there is a lot of water makes it hard to achieve the desired results. Therefore, it is important that the contractor clears the water first, before starting the work. Examples of applications where temporary water dams come in handy include building of bridges, and also setting up a building in a swamp type of environment.

For more information, please visit dam construction companies.

Traditional methods that were used in place of temporary water dams include the use of sandbags to prevent the flow of water. Another example includes digging a trench to act as a makeshift path for the water. Once the contractors had completed works on those areas, they would then have to remove the bags or fill up the trench to have the river flowing on the original course. This creates more work and sometimes alters the landscape, which is not desirable. Temporary water dams offer many advantages over these outdated methods.

Temporary Water Barriers

From prehistoric beaver dams to modern cofferdams, temporary water barriers have provided the means to contain waterways and/or control their flow and direction. Today&#;s temporary water barriers are primarily used as water controlling measure, typically when some construction task needs to be completed on a waterbed.

Temporary Water Dams

During a construction project, contractors will buy the temporary water dam

Traditional methods that were used in place of temporary water dams include the use of sandbags to prevent the flow of water or digging a trench to act as a makeshift path for the water. Once the contractors had completed works on those areas, they would then have to remove the bags or fill up the trench to have the river flowing on the original course. This creates more work and sometimes alters the landscape in undesirably ways. Temporary water dams offer countless advantages over such outdated methods.

Temporary Water Barrier Applications

There are many applications for temporary water barriers, especially cofferdams. Dam-It Dams, Inc. offers patented, portable, water-filled cofferdams that provide effective and cost-efficient solutions for these major types of situations that they call the 3-Ds of water control:

  • Dewatering
  • Diversion
  • Damming

Advantages of Temporary Water Dams

Temporary Water Dams Are More Reliable Than Traditional Methods

Using a temporary water dam gives the contractor enough time to work on the site compared to other methods since the temporary water dams are more reliable. Often times sandbags will soak up water and the water will interfere with the work being done at the site. Therefore, the use of temporary water dams allows for a much better work space, as well as assuring the quickest and most efficient project possible.

Temporary Water Dams Are Easy To Install

Temporary water barriers are easy to put into place to begin work on a site. Digging a trench is  much more cumbersome, due to the fact that you have to find the easiest route, and much more labor is required. Sandbags are also a tedious method of diverting water. Sandbags are very difficult to put in place, requiring excess time and labor. Sandbags are often not strong enough for the task, and will also allow the water into the bags. When using a temporary dam, you can easily roll out the dam and start the work on time.

 Temporary Water Dams Are Cheaper In The Long Run

Due to the fact that sandbags will easily pass water, you will not be able to use them for another project. Therefore, if you bought a temporary water dam, you will be able to use the dam in other projects, saving you more money. Buying bags for each new project becomes more expensive,  particularly if you have several projects lined up. Also, you spend more hiring people to fill the sacks and placing them in the water to build enough protection. With temporary water dams, you just need to roll the dam and fill it with water. It is also easy to uninstall when compared to the traditional methods.

Temporary Water Dams Can Be Used In Most Environments

Temporary water dams are adaptable to most environments, and can be easily used an nearly any terrain. They can be used on most landscapes, during any weather, making them a superior alternative to sandbags, which can barely be used during the flood seasons.The trenches also are not a good solution because you might not be able to dig a trench on some landscapes. For these reasons, temporary water dams will serve as a one-time investment in a solution that can be used anytime and anywhere.

Temporary Water Dams Are Easily Expandable

Our temporary water dams can be linked to accommodate any length needed by the user. This allows the project to adapt to extra demands that might not be taken into account at the onset of the project. Furthermore, our temporary water dams come in different sizes and designs, allowing them to fit into any environment where they are needed. If the river is wide, you can connect several pieces to ensure proper coverage.

 Temporary Water Dams Are Portable

You can easily move our temporary water dams to and from multiple locations This would just be impractical using traditional systems. Once the dam is drained, it can be rolled up, and moved to another location. The dam can even be carried by one person! This makes our dams an excellent solution for a company that performs jobs at varied locations. Our dams can easily be taken anywhere around the world!

Temporary Water Dams Are Environmentally Friendly

Trench digging can cause soil erosion, therefore, it is not a good method of getting rid of water. The packing of sand into bags, for use as a barrier, is also not ideal. This is because the sand is taken from another location, which can negatively alter the landscape of that location. Here at Dam-it Dams, we feel that it is important to adopt a method that does not negatively affect the environment. Our dams offer an alternative to these outdated, and often times destructive methods for water damming or diversion, promoting a greener environment.

Temporary Water Dams Are a More Modern Technology

The construction sector is always on the lookout for the most modern technology, making temporary water dams a more eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and more logical solution for project managers in the hydrological industry. Our dams have won awards for most innovative products in this field. Our dams are also well adapted for projects in the mining industry. Adopting this cutting-edge technology is a great decision for any company looking to make an impression when delivering projects to their clients.

Dam Construction Permit - ORIA - WA.gov

Dam Construction Permit

What is the purpose of this permit?
Dam construction permits ensure safety of life and property.

Who issues this permit?
Department of Ecology

What activities require this permit?

A Dam Safety Construction Permit is required before constructing, modifying, or repairing any dam or controlling works for storage of 10 or more acre-feet of water, liquid waste, or mine tailings. This requirement may apply to dams and storage lagoons for: 

  • Flood control. 
  • Domestic or irrigation water. 
  • Domestic, industrial, or agricultural wastes (including animal waste). 
  • Mine tailings.
How much will this permit cost?


The $1,977 initial fee counts toward the permit fee.

There is a $1,977 initial fee at the time of application, with the exception of dam removal. The dam removal fee is $10. Excluding the dam removal permit, the fees range from $1,977 to $98,532 depending on the size of the project. The fee is calculated based on height and crest length of the dam. The complete fee schedule is contained in WAC 173-175-360 The $1,977 initial fee counts toward the permit fee.

Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'Application for Dam Construction Permit' is online and can be accessed at

The application is called '' is online and can be accessed at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/summarypages/ecy.html

Do I need to include anything with my application?
The applicant must submit plans and specifications to Ecology for review and approval. These must be prepared by a qualified professional engineer registered in Washington state and carry the engineer's signature and seal.  This must be done when the first substantive engineering information about the proposed project becomes available, usually when the conceptual plans are completed. Include the initial fee ($1,977) with the application form.

For more flow control gateinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
A number of other permits and approvals are often required at the local, state, and federal levels for the construction of a dam. Contact the Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance for more information (800) 917- or

A number of other permits and approvals are often required at the local, state, and federal levels for the construction of a dam. Contact the Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance for more information (800) 917- or

How long will it take to review my application?
The targets are 30 days for Ecology to review engineering documents and the application; 30 days for the applicant to respond to request for more information; and 30 days for Ecology to do the final review.

If Ecology anticipates it will take more than 60 days we will notify the applicant. See

The targets are 30 days for Ecology to review engineering documents and the application; 30 days for the applicant to respond to request for more information; and 30 days for Ecology to do the final review.If Ecology anticipates it will take more than 60 days we will notify the applicant. See WAC 173-175-270

Where do I submit my application?

The application, fee, and supporting engineering documentation should be sent to: 

 

The Department of Ecology 

Cashiering Unit 

PO Box  

Olympia WA -

How long is my permit valid?
Indefinite.

Notes / Comments:
Subject Matter Expert & : Contacts A number of other permits and approvals are often required at the local, state, and federal levels for the construction of a dam. Contact the Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance for more information at (800) 917- or
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor&#;s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor&#;s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor&#;s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA--PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)

Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 46.6


Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 145



Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)

Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 322.8


Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 665



(Summary results based on 5 submittals in )

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:
Subject matter expert : Contacts vary by location, see notes/comments for link to contacts.

Web page URL: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Dam-safety-permit Subject matter expert : Contacts vary by location, see notes/comments for link to contacts.

Department of Ecology
Water Resources Program
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box
Olympia, WA -
Fax: (360) 407-
: (360) 407-
Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Our-Programs/Water-Resources
Triggering Questions:
  • Will you construct, modify, or repair any dam or controlling works for storage of 10 or more acre-feet of water, waste, or mine tailings?

* Permit information last updated 8/14/

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