John Thornhill Dam, located in Tifton, Georgia, was completed in 1966 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and serves as a crucial irrigation resource along Tr-Mill Creek. This earth dam stands at 16 feet in height and spans 850 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam boasts a moderate risk level due to its proximity to a residential area and agricultural land.
The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, supporting the local agricultural community in Turner County. Operated privately, John Thornhill Dam is not regulated or inspected by any state agency. With a spillway width of 40 feet and a maximum discharge of 300 cubic feet per second, the dam ensures controlled water flow and minimizes the risk of flooding downstream. Although the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam remains a vital water resource for the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of climate change.