Sparta New City Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
The Sparta New City Reservoir Dam, also known as the New City Reservoir, is a vital water supply infrastructure owned by the local government in Sparta, Illinois.
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Summary
Built in 1952 by Rochester & Goodell, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 792 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 393 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 232 acre-feet, serving as a crucial source of water for the community.
Situated on Maxwell Creek in Randolph County, Illinois, the Sparta New City Reservoir Dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's spillway, with a width of 204 feet, is uncontrolled, posing a significant hazard potential. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not undergone a recent condition assessment, and its emergency action plan status remains unclear.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Sparta New City Reservoir Dam offers a fascinating case study in local government-owned water infrastructure. Its design, construction, and ongoing regulation provide insights into the challenges and importance of managing water resources in a changing climate. As a critical piece of infrastructure in the St. Louis District, this dam serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between human development and the natural environment.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
792 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
MAXWELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
393 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kaskaskia River At New Athens
|
431cfs |
Mississippi River At Chester
|
83100cfs |
Richland Creek Near Hecker
|
15cfs |
Silver Creek Near Freeburg
|
54cfs |
Kaskaskia River Near Venedy Station
|
219cfs |
Little Crooked Creek Near New Minden
|
2cfs |
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.
Sparta New City Reservoir Dam