Reflection on the effectiveness and development of operation and management practices of Chinese reservoir dams

LIU Liuyan; ZHANG Shichen

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-1123.2025.16.006

Abstract：Reservoirs serve multiple functions such as flood control,irrigation,water supply,power generation,navigation,and ecological improvement,making them critical infrastructure for ensuring national water security.This paper reviews the development course and practical achievements of reservoir dam operation and management in China,analyzes the current situation,tasks,and associated risks and challenges,and proposes future development strategies.Since the founding of the People's Republic of China,the operation and management of reservoir dams have continuously summarized,improved and innovation through practical exploration,leading to the establishment and strict implementation of a comprehensive system of management regulations and technical standards covering the entire life cycle of dams.With scientific and technological support and digital empowerment,a new paradigm of operation and management has been created,promoting standardized,refined,and modernized dam safety management,and ensuring the safe operation and full functionality and benefits of reservoirs at a higher level.However,management capabilities are uneven,issues related to aging and deterioration of infrastructure are emerging,extreme weather events are increasing uncertainties and risks,intensive human activities are significantly altering operational environments,regional conflicts are exacerbating security threats,and long-term management mechanisms need to be established and improved.Ensuring the safe operation of reservoir dams still faces risks and challenges,necessitating enhanced technological empowerment to build a safer,more ecological,and intelligent paradigm for dam management.