Blockton Watershed Site W-3, located in Blockton, Iowa, is a vital water resource managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS. This earth dam, completed in 1970, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 22 feet and a storage capacity of 157 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 8.9 acres and has a drainage area of 0.55 square miles.

The dam, situated on the TR-Platte River, is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state agency. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the condition of the dam is currently not rated. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is primarily constructed with soil as its foundation. With its strategic location and multiple functions, Blockton Watershed Site W-3 plays a crucial role in water management, flood control, and environmental conservation in Taylor County, Iowa.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Blockton Watershed Site W-3 offers a fascinating case study in sustainable water infrastructure development. As a key component of the local water management system, this dam showcases the importance of multi-purpose structures in enhancing community resilience against floods, ensuring water availability for irrigation, livestock, and firefighting, and promoting biodiversity through the creation of small fish ponds. With its strategic design, effective regulation, and moderate risk management measures, Blockton Watershed Site W-3 stands as a model for integrated water resource management in the region.