The Cross-Check Survey complements the focal dam/basin case studies by analysing a sample of 125 dams drawn from dams in the case studies, dams previously analysed in other studies or for which data is available in existing databases, and from complementary dams contributing to the diversity of the sample

The analysis generated broader patterns and trends than was possible with the focal dam/basin case studies. Although the results are illustrative only of past experience rather than representative of all large dams.

As one of the WCD work programme components, the Cross-Check Survey is not a stand-alone performance review but rather an integrated study used to 'cross-check' and supplement the evidence emerging from the WCD Knowledge Base. Consequently, this report presents a front-end or entry point to broad insights reflecting on underlying complex issues. Thus, the report content is 'findings-based' and presents results and conclusions without further elaboration. For expansion on any of the issues touched on in this report, please refer to the WCD Case Study Reports, Thematic Reviews and/or topic-related Submissions.

Online Material

• Executive Summary of the final paper
• Table of Contents of the final paper
• The The Final Paper November 2000 PDF (1,474k)
• The Annexes November 2000 PDF (1,525k)

A list of all the dams included in the survey

The General Terms of Reference for the Cross-Check Survey.

More detailed background material to the survey is available in Annex 2 of the Work Programme specification
Links to specific sub-sections of the background document:

• Objectives and Scope
• Selection of Dams
• Approach and Methodology
• Operational Aspects

Acknowledgements

Christopher Clarke was the author of this report and co-ordinator of the Survey.

The author wishes to extend special thanks to:

• Dr. Bruce Aylward (Cross-Check supervisor) for providing guidance throughout the survey process
• Katarzyna Ronda (statistical assistant)
• Tracey Skead (assistant to external review phase)

A further note of thanks to Professor Sanjeev Khagram who initiated and supervised the Cross-Check Survey during his tenure with the WCD Secretariat.

The author is grateful to the over 100 contributors worldwide listed in Annex 2 of the report, who provided the data or who have assisted in co-ordination of various aspects of the Survey. In addition, the author would like to thank the following reviewers of an earlier draft of this report:

• Professor Tim Dunne - University of Cape Town, South Africa
• Professor Anil Markandya - University of Bath, United Kingdom

Survey Documents Archive

Reviewers were actively sought to assist with the survey review phase in the first quarter of 2000. Documents were provided explaining the Review Strategy and outlining Terms of Reference for Reviewers