Watkins Farm Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Watkins Farm Lake Dam, also known as Dorminy Brothers Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Ben Hill, Georgia.
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Summary
Built in 1986 by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), this Earth dam stands at 21 feet high and spans 750 feet in length. Its primary purpose is irrigation, with a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 56 acre-feet.
Despite being unregulated by the state, Watkins Farm Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While it has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, the dam continues to serve its intended purpose effectively, providing water resources for irrigation in the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Watkins Farm Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of private infrastructure in supporting agriculture and water management initiatives in Georgia.
Year Completed |
1986 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Watkins Farm Lake Dam