The Miami Conservancy District has fully activated its flood protection system in response to widespread heavy rainfall across the Great Miami River Watershed. Over the past 72 hours, the region has received 3.00 to 5.00 inches of rain, with 1.50 to 2.50 inches falling in just the last 24 hours.
As a result, all five Miami Conservancy District flood protection dams—Germantown, Englewood, Lockington, Taylorsville, and Huffman—are now storing water to reduce the risk of flooding in downstream communities.
To protect populated areas and critical infrastructure, Miami Conservancy District staff have closed floodgates in Piqua, Troy, West Carrollton, Miamisburg, Middletown, and Hamilton. A pump station was also operated in Piqua to manage local water levels.
Additionally, Miami Conservancy District technicians are actively measuring river flows at streamgage locations throughout the watershed to ensure accurate, real-time monitoring and response.
"We are in full flood response mode,” said MaryLynn Lodor, General Manager of Miami Conservancy District. “Our team is working around the clock to monitor the conditions of dams, levees, and river and groundwater levels. The system provides protection across the region, and it is performing as designed. We are taking necessary measures to keep communities safe. If you see something of concern near any of our flood protection structures, please report it to us immediately.”
The Situation at a Glance:
- The Great Miami River Watershed has received 3.00–5.00 inches of rain over 72 hours.
- Forecasts call for another 0.75 to 1.50 inches of rainfall through Sunday.
- All five Miami Conservancy District flood protection dams are storing water.
- Floodgates are closed in Piqua, Troy, West Carrollton, Miamisburg, Middletown, and Hamilton.
- A pump station was operated in Piqua.
- The Miami Conservancy District riverfront parks in West Carrollton (Miami Bend Park) and Moraine (East River Landing) are closed while they store floodwater.
- Bike Trails inside the levees may also be under water.
- River levels are not expected to crest until Sunday into Monday.
About MCD’s System:
The Miami Conservancy District’s system of dry dams, levees, and floodgates was built after the Great 1913 Flood and has prevented catastrophic flooding for more than a century. The dams have no moving parts and use large conduits to manage normal river flows. During heavy rain events, they temporarily store excess water and release it gradually when conditions allow.
Editor’s Note:
The MCD flood protection system serves 23 communities across Southwest Ohio. It includes five dry dams, 55 miles of levees and floodwalls, and dozens of floodgates and pump stations—all engineered to reduce the risk of major flooding.
For updates, visit http://www.mcdwater.org) and follow https://www.facebook.com/MCDwater
