Palo Verde Evaporation Pond #1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Palo Verde Evaporation Pond #1, located in Maricopa, Arizona, near the Mesquite Generating Station, is a significant water resource managed by a public utility.
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Summary
This offstream structure, completed in 1981, serves a primary purpose of water evaporation. With a dam height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 6,590 acre-feet, the pond covers a surface area of 264 acres and has a drainage area of 0.4 square miles. Despite lacking a spillway, the structure has a high hazard potential due to its critical role in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Palo Verde Evaporation Pond #1 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its proper functioning and safety. The structure's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with a high risk potential that necessitates ongoing risk management measures. The presence of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, representing the area, adds to the oversight and importance of this water resource in the local community. As a key component of the region's water infrastructure, this evaporation pond plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in Arizona.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
13400 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
264 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
6590 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Palo Verde Evaporation Pond #1