Fairfield Water Works Dam No 1, located in Fairfield, Iowa, is a significant water supply structure built in 1888 on TR-Cedar Creek.
The dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans 500 feet, providing a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.12 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining a normal storage capacity of 292 acre-feet, ensuring a stable water supply for the local community.
Managed by the Local Government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Fairfield Water Works Dam No 1 has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of May 2018. Although it has a significant hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate. With a regular inspection frequency of 5 years and emergency preparedness protocols in place, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fairfield Water Works Dam No 1 offers insights into the historical development of water supply infrastructure in Iowa. Its earth-type construction and uncontrolled spillway design present unique engineering challenges and opportunities for sustainable water management practices. As a key component of the local water supply system, the dam exemplifies the intersection of human ingenuity, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Wind
Humidity
Year Completed |
1888 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CEDAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
350 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
16cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
3710cfs |
Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant
|
1cfs |
North Skunk River Near Sigourney
|
97cfs |
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
4610cfs |
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Round Prairie Park
|
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Mac Coon Access
|
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Lake Darling State Park Campground
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Lake Darling State Park
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