Broad Ripple & Williams Creek Cutoff Dams
Pair of dams used for water supply
Located in Broad Ripple, these two low-head dams were constructed in support of the Central Canal project and today serve to divert river water into the canal for Indy’s municipal water supply. They are owned by Citizens Energy Group and alters the river for 3.9 miles upstream.
Dam Safety! Never go near low-head dams. Water flows swiftly over the wall-like structures and create vortex currents that can trap even the strongest swimmers under water.
Portage: There is a mucky portage path on the river right side of the Broad Ripple dam. There is no formal portage path for the Williams Creek Cutoff Dam, but you can traverse the rocky shoreline around the dam.
