Delivering reliable water supplies for agriculture, renewable hydropower and municipal needs in an environmentally and economically sound manner.

Washington D.C.
As we head into the Fourth of July week and commemorate 250 years of our nation’s history, we celebrate the innovation and dedication that have shaped the United States. Bureau of Reclamation projects continue to stand as shining examples of what America can achieve. We are proud to serve the people of the United States every day by carrying out our mission to manage, develop and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner for the benefit of the American public. 📸: A group of men with harnesses and rappelling gear pose beneath a giant America Flag on the face of the Hoover Dam. Photo by Adam Northrup, Bureau of Reclamation Rope Access Team.
1
5
199
National Camping Month may be winding down, but there’s still time to get outside and make memories! ⛺ Whether you're looking for a peaceful lakeside campsite, stunning scenic views, or a weekend adventure with family and friends, Bureau of Reclamation recreation areas offer incredible opportunities to explore the outdoors. Before the month ends, pack your gear, unplug for a while, and discover one of the many beautiful Reclamation destinations near you. Your next adventure is waiting! #NationalCampingMonth #Reclamation 📸1: Dakotas Deputy Area Manager Scott Hettinger and his family spend every Father's Day weekend camping at Deerfield Reservoir in Sound Dakota. 📸2: Dakotas Deputy Area Manager Scott Hettinger and Zeus hiking around Deerfield Reservoir. 📸3: Campers enjoying the East Portal Campground near Rocky Mountain Nation Park. 📸4: Find your perfect campsite under the trees. The East Portal Campground is the perfect place to unplug, relax, and reconnect with nature.
1
10
405
Specialists from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Technical Service Center recently conducted a Comprehensive Review civil examination of Prosser Creek Dam in Nevada County, Calif. This in‑depth inspection is performed every eight years on all high‑hazard facilities. The team examined the spillway and then descended more than 120 feet inside the dam to inspect critical mechanical systems. From checking packing glands to evaluating the overall condition of the structure, these detailed reviews help engineers catch potential issues early and ensure the dam continues to operate safely and reliably. Inspections like this are essential to protecting our infrastructure, our communities, and our water resources.
13
886
On this day in history, June 25, 1942, the U.S. government awarded the construction contract for Davis Dam and its powerhouse to the Utah Construction Company. Work began soon after with a new railhead near Kingman, Arizona, but progress was halted when World War II shifted national priorities. The War Production Board paused the project to redirect critical materials to the war effort. Construction resumed in 1946, and Davis Dam was completed in 1951. Today the dam stands in Pyramid Canyon on the Colorado River, about 67 miles downstream from Hoover Dam. It remains a lasting example of resilience, engineering achievement and the nation’s ability to adapt through times of challenge. 📸 1: Black and white photo of Davis Dam spillway 📸 2: Color photo of the Davis Dam Facility with a boat downstream
2
6
394
The Bureau of Reclamation’s Landslide Surveillance Program employs specialized field crews to monitor landslides to help predict their future movement. Most landslides on Reclamation land are examined on an annual basis to monitor how much movement, if any, occurred. After unusual events like extreme precipitation, earthquakes, fires, or rapid drawdown of reservoirs, crews will head out to conduct special examinations of the site. Bi-annual surveys of the area near Vega Reservoir, Colorado require a strenuous but beautiful roundtrip hike of over two miles at an elevation of over 8,000 feet in altitude while carrying survey equipment. But the abundant wildlife and amazing views of the Grand Mesa make the assignment special. 📸1: Vega Reservoir and Dam through the viewfinder of the total station. Photo by Allen Giger, USBR. 📸2: A bear stands in shallow water with decaying trees in the background near Vega reservoir. Photo by Allen Giger, USBR.
1
6
373
Today, in recognition of International Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating the many women engineers at the Bureau of Reclamation’s Technical Services Center whose expertise helps advance our mission across the West. From dam safety and hydropower to pipeline design and water infrastructure, these engineers help design, maintain and improve the systems that deliver water and power to millions every day. Their innovation, leadership and technical expertise help build a stronger, more resilient future. 💧⚡ #WomenInEngineering #INWED26 #Reclamation 📸1: Kylie Pelzer, Bureau of Reclamation Technical Services Center civil engineer, poses inside a pipeline during field work. 📸2: Catherine Hoffman, Bureau of Reclamation’s Technical Services Center civil engineer, prepares and analyzes samples in a laboratory. 📸3: Vivian Rosas, Bureau of Reclamation’s Technical Services Center geophysicist and seismologist, conducts fieldwork at a remote seismic monitoring site. 📸4: Ellen A. Lamont, Bureau of Reclamation Technical Services Center geologist, examines geologic layers in a trench during fieldwork.
2
10
416
Happy Father’s Day from the Bureau of Reclamation! Today, we’re celebrating all the dads and father figures who keep us laughing with legendary dad jokes, endless wisdom and unwavering support. Thank you for everything you do and for the jokes we pretend not to love. Happy Father’s Day! 💙 📹: A compilation video of different men sharing their favorite dad jokes. Each man takes a turn delivering a quick, family‑friendly one‑liner.
1
1
9
535
🚗🦦 Otto Otter’s #Freedom250 road trip continues with a visit to Shasta Dam in California, where construction was completed in 1945—22 months ahead of schedule. Standing 602 feet tall, Shasta Dam is one of the tallest in the United States and forms Shasta Lake—the largest reservoir in California. Nearly eight decades later, Shasta Dam remains a cornerstone of water and power delivery in the West. Built during World War II, it continues to meet critical energy demands—and continues to generate hydropower that supports homes, businesses, and communities today. ⚡#EnergyDominance #Freedom250 #OttoOtter
2
7
347
The Roosevelt Dam and its hydroelectric powerplant played a significant role in Arizona’s development in the early 1900s. As part of the federal government’s Salt River Project, it helped irrigate farmland and introduced electricity to many homes for the first time. During the dam’s 1911 dedication, President Roosevelt spoke about the 1902 Reclamation Act and its importance to his administration. As we approach the Bureau of Reclamation’s 125th anniversary next June, these moments remind us of the agency’s long-standing role in supporting communities across the West. 📸: An aerial view of Theodore Roosevelt Dam holding back Roosevelt Lake, with the Theodore Roosevelt Lake Bridge visible just behind the dam. The surrounding landscape shows the contrast between the water and the desert terrain.
1
5
19
553
Real-time water quality dashboard for Lake Powell coming soon. Civil Engineers from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Upper Colorado Basin Region are leading an innovative WaterSMART project to install a floating water quality monitoring platform in Glen Canyon Dam’s forebay. The $400,000 project will collect real-time data on temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and chlorophyll at depths ranging from 0 to 100 meters multiple times each day. Previously, measurements were collected only once a month. This advancement will improve monitoring for potential algal blooms and provide better estimates of the quality of water released from Glen Canyon Dam. Stakeholders will soon be able to access the data through a public dashboard. Stay tuned as the project moves from planning to installation this fall. 📸: The upstream face of Glen Canyon Dam with water in the foreground.
2
4
7
600
For 124 years, the Bureau of Reclamation has helped deliver water and power across the West, shaping communities, agriculture and infrastructure. As Reclamation prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary, we reflect on a legacy built on resilience, innovation and determination. This collection of historic films highlights the people and projects that took on complex engineering challenges and helped create new opportunities across the American West. ow.ly/jMYP50Zc4pK
2
9
348
Partnerships powering reliable water for agricultural communities and healthier ecosystems. Last week, the Bureau of Reclamation joined @DucksUnlimited, @USFWS, state agencies, water districts, and local partners to celebrate the upgraded pump and lift station at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge. This project strengthens our shared ability to deliver dependable water supplies to the refuge—advancing the collaborative stewardship that supports wetlands, migratory birds, and surrounding agricultural communities across the Sacramento Valley. More than an infrastructure upgrade, the event highlighted the resilience and partnership that keep water flowing. Check out our photos at: ow.ly/2gQm50Zc30M @NCWATweets 📷 1: From left to right: Wade Crowfoot, Secretary, California Natural Resources Agency Ed Young, Deputy Regional Director, California-Great Basin Region, Bureau of Reclamation Paul Souza, Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jeff McCreary, Director of Western Region Operations, Ducks Unlimited and David J. Guy, President of the Northern California Water Association. 📷 2: Ed Young, Deputy Regional Director, California-Great Basin Region address the crowd at the at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge. 📷 3: Newly upgraded pump and lift station at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge.
2
4
1,204
The June 24-Month Study was released today. The study continues to rely on operational assumptions using the soon-expiring operating guidelines, and as a result, projects Lake Powell reaching minimum power pool in spring 2027. This outcome is not a reflection of recent drought response actions, but rather a clear reminder that the Colorado River remains vulnerable and that updated operational tools are essential for long-term stability. Find the full report here: usbr.gov/uc/water/crsp/studi… 📸 1: An image taken from Lake Powell showing the low water levels against the canyon. 📸 2: The low water levels of the lake expose an anchors at the Antelope Point Marina. 📸 3: The low water levels of the lake expose large tires used as anchors at the Antelope Point Marina.
1
4
12
924
The Delta Cross Channel Gates will open Sat., June 13 at 10 a.m., improving boating access between the Sacramento River and the Delta. Gates will stay open through summer. Boaters should use caution and stay alert to changing conditions. #CADelta #Reclamation
1
3
386
Biologists from the Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado Basin Region are teaming up with the @NatlParkService for a $450,000, three-year Science and Technology Research Program project focused on springs and groundwater in the Grand Canyon. This project will monitor spring health and water quality, quantify groundwater contributions to the Colorado River, and use remote sensing and gauges to track long-term trends in response to climate changes. The research will help establish baseline data, support collaborative water management and strengthen drought resilience throughout the Lower Colorado River Basin. 📸: The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
3
295
Through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Bureau of Reclamation is helping modernize Utah’s Strawberry High Line Canal, supporting President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to stronger infrastructure and water security. The project improves reliability, helps prevent canal breaches and conserves water for the future. 💧
3
12
571
On June 5, the Bureau of Reclamation welcomed community members along with state and federal leaders to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam failure, an event that reshaped communities across eastern Idaho and influenced dam safety practices around the world. Fifty years later, we honor the lives lost and recognize the resilience of the communities that came together to rebuild. This milestone also marks five decades of progress in dam safety and Reclamation's ongoing commitment to learning, improving and protecting the public. The commemoration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Teton Dam Commemorative Overlook. Featuring interpretive panels and enhanced visitor amenities, the overlook provides a place to reflect on the dam's history, understand its lasting impact and learn about the lessons that continue to guide our work today. Together, we continue building a future informed by the lessons of the past and a shared commitment to safety. If you visit the former dam site, we invite you to explore the new overlook and experience this important addition to the landscape. 📸 Community members, Bureau of Reclamation employees and state and federal leaders cut the ribbon during the dedication of the new Teton Dam Commemorative Overlook near the former Teton Dam site in eastern Idaho on June 5, 2026. 📸 Visitors read interpretive panels at the Teton Dam Commemorative Overlook while viewing the former Teton Dam site in eastern Idaho. The overlook provides information about the dam's history, failure and lasting impact on the region. 📸 Linnea Melbye, senior adviser for the Bureau of Reclamation, speaks during a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam failure at the Teton Dam Commemorative Overlook in eastern Idaho. 📸 Visitors explore the Teton Dam Commemorative Overlook, reading interpretive panels and viewing the former Teton Dam site during the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Teton Dam failure in eastern Idaho.
1
5
310
Behind‑the‑scenes at Hoover Dam! The Water Education Foundation received a behind‑the‑scenes look at Hoover Dam and its hydropower plant. They learned how renewable hydropower supports grid reliability and provides electricity to millions. The Water Education Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization based in Sacramento, California, dedicated to increasing public understanding of water resources across California and the American West. Reclamation experts met with regional water managers and partner agencies to discuss river operations, drought response, environmental stewardship, and long‑term sustainability in the Colorado River Basin. The visit highlighted Reclamation’s mission to manage and protect water resources in a responsible and sustainable way for the benefit of the public. 📸 1: WEF participants walking through the power plant. 📸 2: WEF participants surround tour guide pointing out sections of the Hoover Dam on a screen. 📸 3: WEF participants pose for a group photo at the bottom of the powerplant with the downstream face of the dam in the background.
1
3
11
422
Hoover Dam is shining a little brighter this summer! 🎉🇺🇸🎂 Through July 4, visitors can experience a special patriotic display featuring a massive American flag and red, white and blue lighting each evening from dusk until 10 p.m. Experience this tribute at one of America's most iconic engineering marvels! 🎥: Video showing a variety of angles of the red, white and blue light show on the dam with a large American flag in the center. Video by Jacob Unger, USBR #Freedom250 #America250 #Reclamation
1
8
44
1,155
Strengthening water reliability through partnership. 💧 Today, the Bureau of Reclamation joined @sdcwa, @mwdh2o, and water agencies from Arizona and Nevada at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant to sign a memorandum of understanding focused on innovative water supply solutions. The partnership will explore opportunities to transfer or exchange purified recycled water and desalinated water to support long-term water reliability and sustainability across the Colorado River Basin. #Reclamation #Partnership
1
6
404