LEVEE BASICS
Managing Levees
Levee systems play a critical role in managing flood risk for the nation.
Approximately 25,000 miles of levees reduce risk to over 17 million people who live and work behind them. They also reduce risk to more than $2 trillion in property value and much of the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Levees are in communities throughout the U.S. and help safeguard people and the things they value. The following can be found behind levees in the U.S.
A Closer Look at Levee Safety
Levees can be found throughout the U.S. While all these levees look a little different, some common players, roles, and activities are involved in ensuring they remain in good order and continue to benefit communities by reducing the frequency and intensity of flooding.
Common players who have a role related to levees include the following:
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Federal agencies
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State agencies
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Tribal nations
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Local governments
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Levee drainage, or diking districts
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Private entities
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Flood control, conservation, or water management districts
Many of these entities play one or several of the following roles related to levees and nearby communities:
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Plan, design, or build levees or related structures
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Provide oversight or technical assistance
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Regulate activities that can occur in areas subject to frequent flooding
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Manage or grant access to land
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Operate and maintain the levee
Regardless of the players and their respective role, all levees include a couple common activities:
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Planning, design and construction
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Daily observation and operation
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Visual inspections or monitoring
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Creating and implementing emergency action plans
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Assessing levee issues and implementing strategies to address them
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Raising awareness of levees, their benefits, and additional strategies to manage flooding
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Communicating and engaging people in levee-related activities
Did You Know?
Want to know more about who is responsible for a levee near you? You can view who is responsible for a levee on its summary page in the National Levee Database. Most organizations can be found by searching online. You can contact the helpdesk for more information about a specific levee or responsible entity, who will work to connect you with the right point of contact. Email or call the helpdesk: NLD@usace.army.mil or 1-877-538-3387.
