While we love hydropower for its many benefits, there are some drawbacks as there are with all forms of energy generation. The construction of dams can disrupt ecosystems, impact fish migration, and change habitats in ways that impact native plants and wildlife. Additionally, in the Northwest, the construction of dams has impacted Native American Tribes and culturally significant sites along the river.

Understanding these drawbacks is a critical responsibility of dam owners and operators. Together, utility customers in partnership with federal, state, and tribal agencies have invested billions of dollars to mitigate hydropower’s impacts. Those investments have helped increase salmon returns and improve habitat around the region. These efforts are core to the mission of Northwest RiverPartners and our members.