Portadam ® is a temporary, portable cofferdam, above ground impoundment, water diversion or fluid retention system for use in construction and frac water retention systems. Portadam is used for natural gas fracking applications, construction, rehabilitation, flood protection and inspection projects in rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs and other retaining areas. By utilizing a unique free standing steel support system and impervious fabric membrane, the Portadam technique allows many types of in-water construction to be accomplished in a “dry condition” without the need for excavation or fill, costly pile driving equipment, or time consuming sandbag dikes. Alternatively, the system is can be used to retain water for use as above ground impoundments or retention systems for a variety of industrial applications and water retention for natural gas fracking applications. The Portadam system consists of two main components; a welded tubular steel framework support and a flexible waterproof membrane permitting easy installation in any configuration and over uneven bed contours. The system is available in open water up to 10 feet deep.