Fairfield Water Works Dam No 1, located in Fairfield, Iowa, is a significant water supply structure built in 1888 on TR-Cedar Creek.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
10cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant
|
0cfs |
North Skunk River Near Sigourney
|
97cfs |
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
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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