Check dams are small barriers built across the direction of water flow on shallow rivers and streams for the purpose of water harvesting. This book is a review of basic principles and practice-oriented approaches for check dam designs. It offers a hands-on approach with a strong, practical bias helpful in solving problems that are likely to be encountered in real-life field situations. It has been divided into nine chapters dealing with design details for gabion, masonry, concrete, and rubber check dams, including briefs about topographical surveys and geotechnical and hydrological investigations. Features: Gives insight into the principles of design and construction of check dams. Includes data assumptions and design principles along with design philosophy. Discusses design of gabion, masonry, and concrete check dams. Contains illustrative examples along with 20 engineering drawings and 140 quick solution tables for design of gabion, masonry, and concrete check dams. Explores easy-to-use tables for design of masonry and concrete retaining walls. This book is aimed at professionals, students, researchers, and practitioners in civil engineering, hydrology, and water conservation.