Brown Dam, located in Union County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1978 by the USDA NRCS. This dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a stock or small fish pond along the TR-Twelve Mile Creek. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 375 feet, Brown Dam has a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1.5 acres.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Brown Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as low hazard potential and having a moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and is situated in a sparsely populated area with a low risk of downstream flooding.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Brown Dam presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam that serves both practical and recreational purposes in a rural setting. Its design and construction by the USDA NRCS highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices in protecting against potential hazards and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities.