Why does the United States Bureau of Reclamation build dams and canals?

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Yser River; land reclamation — land reclamation The Yser River flowing through reclaimed farmland in Belgium.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation constructs and manages dams, canals, and hydroelectric power plants primarily to transform arid regions of the American West into productive agricultural land.1

Established in 1902, the agency’s core mission was to "reclaim" otherwise unusable, arid land for human benefit by providing reliable irrigation water. By managing water resources through these large-scale infrastructure projects, the Bureau has successfully converted more than 10 million acres into economically viable farmland and pasture.1

Beyond irrigation, the Bureau’s facilities serve to manage water rights and generate power. While the agency is historically recognized for iconic projects like the Hoover Dam and Grand Coulee Dam, its focus has evolved since 1989 to prioritize the maintenance of existing infrastructure and the addressal of environmental water concerns. Today, the Bureau must navigate the complex balance between meeting national water and power needs, respecting tribal and state water rights, and upholding environmental responsibilities.1