Copperopolis, located in Calaveras County, California, is home to an essential water supply dam known as the Copperopolis Dam on Penney Creek. This private dam, completed in 1905, stands at a height of 33 feet and has a hydraulic height of 29.2 feet, providing a storage capacity of 225 acre-feet for irrigation and water supply purposes. The dam, classified as an earth type structure, covers a surface area of 24 acres and serves a drainage area of 1.4 square miles.

This dam in Copperopolis plays a crucial role in water resource management, as it is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017, the Copperopolis Dam ensures the safety and reliability of water supply operations in the region. Despite not having associated structures or locks, the dam's primary purpose is to provide water for agricultural irrigation and local water supply needs.

Furthermore, situated within the San Francisco District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Copperopolis Dam underscores the importance of infrastructure maintenance and risk management in safeguarding water resources in the face of changing climate conditions. As climate enthusiasts and water resource stakeholders continue to monitor and assess the resilience of such critical structures, the Copperopolis Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance water supply needs with environmental stewardship and public safety in California's diverse landscape.