Abstract: The information found from researches regarding 1 093 removed dams across the United States from 1921 to 2013 is summarized. This paper analyzes information by the number, size, material and age of the removed dams and three primary dam removal purposes including environmental restoration, safety concerns, and economic considerations. The statistical results show that the dam removal phenomenon has existed for years and up to now the removed dams in the United States are small, lowhead, aging and deteriorating dams. Dams that contribute a lot to the nation's economy are not removed at all, instead they get constant maintenance. Dams still form an integral part that makes great contribution to the collective economy and social welfare.

Key words: the United States of America, dam removal, ecology, economy, safety

摘要： 对美国1921~2013年共计1 093座水坝拆除进行了信息统计，从拆坝数量、大坝规模、筑坝材料、坝龄等方面系统分析了美国拆坝现状，并从生态、经济、安全方面分析拆坝的主要原因。统计结果表明水坝拆除现象在美国一直存在，且至今为止美国所拆除的主要为小型水坝、旧坝、病险坝。对美国经济发展有重要影响的水坝不仅未被拆除，还不断得到维护，水坝在美国的经济和社会发展中仍贡献着重要力量。

关键词: 美国, 拆坝, 生态, 经济, 安全