Bruner Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bruner Dam, also known as Marler Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Walton County, Florida, along Narrows Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1971 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam primarily serves recreational purposes, with additional benefits for fire protection, stock, small fish ponds, and wildlife habitat. The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches for 520 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational value, Bruner Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 88 feet, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The last inspection in September 2020 revealed a need for improvement, with a moderate risk rating. The dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan (EAP) status are unclear, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and water resource conservation.

In the event of a dam failure, the downstream area could face significant inundation, emphasizing the need for proactive risk assessment and management. With its location in a populated area and the potential impact on the environment, Bruner Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure for both recreational and safety purposes. Collaboration between private owners, regulatory agencies like NWFWMD, and the local community is crucial to address the dam's condition and mitigate risks associated with its operation.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

NARROWS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.59

Nid Storage

99

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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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.