Located in Cook County, Illinois, the South Lake of The Coves Dam serves as a recreational spot for locals and visitors alike. Built in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 390 feet in length. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam offers a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet, providing a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the South Lake of The Coves Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for risk management measures to be put in place. While the condition assessment is currently not available, regular inspections are conducted every five years to monitor its integrity.

With a controlled spillway and no outlet gates, the dam presents a unique engineering design that reflects its purpose of providing a recreational water source. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the South Lake of The Coves Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in preserving natural habitats and recreational opportunities for generations to come.