Murphys Wastewater Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Murphys Wastewater, located in Calaveras County, California, serves as a vital public utility for the community of Arab.


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Summary

This offstream structure, completed in 1980, stands as an Earth dam with a height of 24 feet and a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. The dam primarily functions to support water supply needs, alongside flood risk reduction and irrigation purposes, showcasing its multifaceted role in sustainable water resource management.

Managed and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources, the dam at Murphys Wastewater is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, highlighting its crucial role in mitigating risks and safeguarding the surrounding environment. The dam's strategic location and design contribute to effective water management, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a resilient infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns.

As a key component of the region's water supply system, Murphys Wastewater exemplifies the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. With its integral role in supporting water storage and distribution, this Earth dam serves as a testament to proactive planning and sustainable resource management practices. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Murphys Wastewater is essential in promoting a holistic approach to tackling water challenges in the face of a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

590

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

Offstream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

140

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.