Lower Centerville Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lower Centerville Reservoir Dam, located in Centerville, Iowa, was completed in 1912 and serves as a vital water supply source for the region.


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Summary

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 39 feet and has a length of 530 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 575 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 380 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 28 acres and draining an area of 3.98 square miles.

With a spillway width of 92 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has been assessed to have a significant hazard potential but is currently deemed to be in satisfactory condition. The last inspection in June 2017 found the dam to be structurally sound, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the risk assessment categorizes the dam as moderate, there are no specific risk management measures in place. Overall, Lower Centerville Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, ensuring a reliable water supply for the community while being subject to regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

TR-COOPER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Drainage Area

3.98

Nid Storage

575

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

39
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.