Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bap Ponds 1, 2, 3, 4 Bap Pond 5
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Situated in Kern County, California, the Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds are a private water resource facility that plays a crucial role in water supply management.
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Summary
Completed in 1984, this earth dam structure has a height of 18 feet and a length of 10,383 feet, with a storage capacity of 242 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds is for tailings management and water supply, serving the local community and industries in Edwards Air Force Base.
Maintained by the California state regulatory agencies, including the Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams, the Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds have a low hazard potential with satisfactory condition assessment. With regular inspections and enforcement mechanisms in place, the facility ensures operational safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The site's remote location, offstream from any rivers or streams, minimizes environmental impact while supporting water resource sustainability in the region.
Owned and operated by a private entity, the Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds are a vital component of the water infrastructure in California. With its strategic design and efficient water management practices, the facility contributes to the overall water supply resilience in the area. As a testament to its reliability and functionality, the Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds continue to serve the community while upholding high safety and regulatory standards.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
10383 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
offstream |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
21 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
242 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Borax Solar Evaporation Ponds