<b>West American dams are on the verge of shutting down: Lack of maintenance is filling them with silt faster than ever, making the great structures obsolete</b>

• Shihmen Reservoir releasing sediment through the power plant discharge outlet.
• Image Credit: PeelldenThe accumulation of sediment in reservoirs across the American West represents a significant challenge for water resource management.
• Since the early 20th century, thousands of dams have been constructed to provide essential services, including hydro-electric power, irrigation for agriculture, and reliable municipal water supplies.