Fairfield Water Works Dam No 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Fairfield Water Works Dam No 1, located in Fairfield, Iowa, is a significant water supply structure built in 1888 on TR-Cedar Creek.


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Summary

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.

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
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.