Ward Business Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Ward Business Park Dam, located in Urbandale, Iowa, is a private dam designed by Bishop Engineering and completed in 2001.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans 330 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-North Walnut Creek, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in the area. Despite its significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition remains unrated, highlighting the need for ongoing inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Ward Business Park Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to uphold safety standards and compliance. With a primary purpose listed as "Other," the dam plays a crucial role in water management within the region, serving as a key structure for retaining and controlling water levels. Although the dam lacks specific emergency action plans and risk management measures, its presence underscores the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for climate adaptation and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

As a part of the Rock Island District, Ward Business Park Dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in Polk County, Iowa. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and lack of outlet gates, the dam continues to provide essential flood protection and water storage capacity for the surrounding area. With a focus on private ownership and state regulation, the dam represents a collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the sustainable use of water resources and the mitigation of potential risks associated with climate variability and extreme weather events.

Year Completed

2001

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR- NORTH WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.6

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

25

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
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.