Located in Decatur County, Iowa, the Schwab Dam is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond. Completed in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 450 feet, with a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is used for water resource management in the area.

The Schwab Dam is situated on the TR-West Fork Big Creek and serves as a vital resource for the surrounding community in Bethany, Missouri. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is not currently rated for condition assessment but is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state regulatory agencies. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it continues to play a crucial role in water storage and management for local fire protection and agricultural purposes.

While the Schwab Dam does not have a controlled spillway, it is equipped with uncontrolled spillway measures to manage excess water flow. With its soil foundation and earth structure, the dam provides essential storage for 33 acre-feet of water under normal conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Schwab Dam showcases the importance of sustainable water management practices in rural Iowa and highlights the collaborative efforts between private owners, federal agencies, and state regulators to ensure the safety and efficiency of water infrastructure in the region.