Newton Dam, located in Adair, Iowa, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1974 by the USDA NRCS. The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Situated on the Bruce Branch-Middle River, the dam has a height of 22 feet and a length of 335 feet, with a surface area of 5.2 acres and a drainage area of 0.38 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Newton Dam is regulated and regularly inspected for safety, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is designed to handle emergencies effectively. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam meets state permitting requirements and is equipped to fulfill its intended functions for water resource management and climate protection in the region.

Newton Dam, with its strategic location in Arbor Hill, plays a crucial role in water management for the surrounding area. With its primary purpose being fire protection and stock pond creation, the dam stands as a testament to effective collaboration between private ownership and state regulatory agencies. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the importance of Newton Dam lies in its contribution to environmental sustainability and resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.