This book contains the proceedings of the 17th Biennial Conference of the British Dam Society, Dams: Engineering in a Social and Environmental Context. It covers practical aspects which are directly relevant to all who work in the design, construction or management of dams and reservoirs, both in the UK and abroad.

Several papers cover the construction of new dams, while many address the issues that arise from the nation's ageing portfolio of existing dams, where spillway improvements or other works may be needed to comply with current standards or to provide operational improvements. The environmental impacts of all such works must be fully considered, and examples are given where habitat and amenity provision have been integral components of projects.

The UK legislative and policy framework is covered, with comparisons to design standards from abroad. Other papers examine aspects of the risks that dams pose to the public, and how to analyse and minimise such risks.