Water

'those having a height of 15 meters from the foundation or, if the height is between 5 to 15 meters, having a reservoir capacity of more than 3 million cubic meters'.

The ICOLD definition has been used in compiling the database of dams financed by ADB

The Report of the World Commission on Dams (WCD) adopted the ICOLD definition and reported that there were approximately 45,000 large dams worldwide. Its recommendations are intended for large dams as defined by ICOLD.

The World Bank distinguishes between small and large dams for application of its Policy on Safety of Dams, OP 4.37, para 3.

1. Small dams are normally less than 15 meters in height. This category includes, for example, farm ponds, local silt retention dams, and low embankment tanks.
2. Large dams are 15 meters or more in height. Dams that are between 10 and 15 meters in height are treated as large dams if they present special design complexities-for example, an unusually large flood-handling requirement, location in a zone of high seismicity, foundations that are complex and difficult to prepare, or retention of toxic materials. Dams under 10 meters in height are treated as large dams if they are expected to become large dams during the operation of the facility.

ADB has not formally adopted a definition of large dams. The requirements of its safeguard policies are considered on a case by case basis, including provisions for dam safety and reference to World Bank policy in this regard.

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