Much-needed repairs to the Germantown Dam, which started last fall, will continue in 2026 with a $1.9 million investment by the Miami Conservancy District (MCD). In November, the MCD announced the completion of $1.54 million in concrete work on the dam’s right conduit to repair 105 years’ worth of wear and tear.

“This isn’t just about maintenance — this is about preventing structural failure,” said Don O’Connor, Miami Conservancy District chief engineer. “The dam’s strength is non-negotiable, and this repair is absolutely critical to its continued safety and reliability.”

Upcoming Work

The nearly $2 million project to update the Germantown Dam’s emergency spillway is scheduled to begin this summer. The Miami Conservancy District says planned upgrades include replacing worn concrete, improving drainage, and reshaping the spillway to its original design to safely release excess floodwaters during major storms.

The MCD says dam work is highly planned and carefully timed. Before construction begins, MCD completes:

Construction can only happen during periods of low and stable water levels because the dam must remain ready to store floodwaters at all times.

Future Updates

Another project to strengthen areas that have deteriorated over time is part of a pending federal investment to repair upstream concrete walls, near where floodwaters enter the dam’s conduits. MCD says improvements will include modern drainage systems and deep rock anchors that secure the structures to bedrock, adding a new layer of long-term stability.

The federal money to update the dam is part of an $8.6 million investment that Congressman Mike Turner is working to secure as part of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. This investment will support a total $15.2 million in work by Miami Conservancy District across three dams, including $4 million for Germantown

“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.”

Critical Infrastructure

The Germantown Dam spans 1,210 feet across Twin Creek. Constructed in 1920, 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 flood protection system managed by the Miami Conservancy District has saved the region from severe flooding multiple times over the past 100 years, including major events in 1937, 1959 and 2005 that would have seen 5-20 feet of water in downtown Dayton.

According to the MCD, the Germantown Dam had major “high storage” events most recently in 2005, 2013 and 2018.

Key Piece of History

The Germantown Dam was constructed 1918-1920 following the founding of the Miami Conservancy District after the 1913 flood that affected Dayton, Germantown and multiple cities.

The construction involved hundreds of workers, equipment shipped in from out of state, and a crew of horses. Part of the construction included a camp with homes and even a school for workers and their families at the bottom of the dam along Creek Road.

“The Germantown Dam is a quiet, behind-the-scenes protector for this community and the entire Great Miami River Valley,” said Sarah Hippensteel, manager of Communications, Outreach, and Stewardship for MCD.

“These investments to make the dam stronger are about keeping people safe, protecting homes and businesses, and honoring a 100-year legacy of flood protection — while ensuring the dam continues to serve future generations.”

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