Bay Lake Water Conservation Structure Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Bay Lake Water Conservation Structure is a vital asset in Hillsborough, Florida, designed primarily for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Owned by the state of Florida, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 43 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 616 acre-feet, it serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply for the local community.

Located in Tampa, the Bay Lake Water Conservation Structure is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of Florida, ensuring its safe and effective operation. Despite being classified with a significant hazard potential, the structure is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in April 2016. With a controlled spillway, slide gates, and a surface area of 37 acres, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.

The Bay Lake Water Conservation Structure's risk assessment is rated as very high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality. With state-of-the-art design features and a strategic location along the Bay Lake, this structure stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Dam Length

43

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

BAY LAKE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

37

Nid Storage

616

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.