Polyvinylchloride (PVC) geomembranes, with permeability much lower than traditional water barriers, have been used in embankment dams since 1959, for new dams and with covered geomembrane. The use of upstream exposed PVC geomembranes started at the beginning of the 1970ies, due to greater confidence acquired through using these relatively new synthetic materials, on dams having hard subgrades (concrete, RCC, asphalt concrete). Since the beginning of the new century, PVC geomembranes are used also on granular subgrades. Major assets of geomembranes in embankment dams are outstanding elongation properties allowing resisting settlements, differential movements, and earthquakes, which would destroy rigid water barriers such as concrete. Geomembranes are engineered against environmental aggression, and unlike clay cores are always available in the needed quantity/quality. The dam can be built on deformable foundations, with steeper slopes reducing the quantity of the fill, construction can be made in stages and completed in shorter times at lower costs. New patented anchorage systems employ extruded curbs with PVC anchor strips, or anchor trenches, or grouted or earth anchors. These techniques have been installed on more than 10 dams worldwide. This paper shows the new anchoring techniques, including a technology allowing installing geomembrane systems underwater, even with flowing water.