Payne Creek Sa-7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Payne Creek Sa-7 is a privately owned earth dam located in Polk County, Florida, specifically in the city of Bowling Green.


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Summary

It is situated along the Little Payne Creek and is regulated by the state, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement all handled by Florida authorities. The dam, primarily used for tailings storage, has a significant hazard potential and a hydraulic height of 35 feet, with a structural height of 45 feet and a total height of 40 feet.

With a storage capacity of 24,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 640 acres, Payne Creek Sa-7 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. Although the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, it is important to note that it poses a significant risk in case of failure. Emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and risk assessment, are not currently in place, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and monitoring to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Payne Creek Sa-7 serves as a vital resource for managing water flow and storage in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this dam to be an intriguing focal point for studying the intersection of human activity and environmental impact, particularly in terms of dam safety and emergency response planning. The unique characteristics of Payne Creek Sa-7 make it a noteworthy subject for further research and analysis in the field of water resource management and climate resilience.

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

LITTLE PAYNE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

640

Hydraulic Height

35

Nid Storage

24000

Structural Height

45

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

45
       
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.