The Newport News Waterworks Department recently was awarded the “Best Major Rehabilitation Project” for publicly owned dams by the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association. This award recognizes the Waterworks Department for the responsible and committed dam ownership that lead to the spillway redesign effort.  

In 2016, Waterworks conducted a $3.6 million dollar construction project to demolish and reconstruct the principal spillway at Diascund Creek Dam, a high-hazard dam in Lanexa, Virginia.  Diascund Creek Dam’s principal spillway was redesigned as part of this project and now includes new construction features such as a more robust underdrain system, improved steel reinforcement, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waterstops for improved water-tightness. 

The Diascund Creek Dam Principal Spillway Project illustrates responsible dam ownership. Newport News Waterworks utilized its archives to investigate service life history and to identify and address a potential failure mode before a serious incident could occur.  This pre-emptive effort to correct what could have been overlooked as a minor condition at the principal spillway sets the Diascund Creek Dam Spillway Project apart from other major rehabilitation projects.  This project also demonstrates the value of routine dam safety inspections performed by highly-qualified professionals.  By taking proactive measures, Waterworks is protecting the public and safeguarding communities.