Abstract: The causes for the serious leakage of the reinforced concrete face dam of Zhushuqiao Reservoir are analyzed based on the design, construction and field measured data. Results show that the poorly graded cushion of the facing plate has little filter effect on the transition layer, the effect of the impervious curtain of the foundation is poor. Owing to a big water head, a seepage deformation occurs in the cushion, the sealing devices in the peripheral joints are destroyed, and some facing plates are overhead and break. All this leads to a serious leakage in the dam.