Equity Built Farms Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Situated in Mt.


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Summary

Sterling, Iowa, the Equity Built Farms Dam stands as a testament to the innovative work of the NRCS, serving as a crucial component in stabilizing the grade along the TR-Centerbranch Fox River. Completed in 1999, this earth dam boasts a height of 26 feet and a length of 280 feet, providing a storage capacity of 23 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 0.05 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam remains ungraded in terms of condition assessment, suggesting a need for further evaluation to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Owned privately, Equity Built Farms Dam plays a vital role in flood control and water resource management in the Appanoose County region. Its primary purpose of grade stabilization underscores its importance in mitigating erosion and sedimentation, safeguarding the surrounding environment and agricultural lands. Although not state-regulated or permitted, the dam's strategic location and design reflect a commitment to sustainable water infrastructure that benefits both the local community and ecosystem.

With its uncontrolled spillway and stone core construction, Equity Built Farms Dam exemplifies a harmonious blend of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the dam serves as a symbol of resilience and adaptation, highlighting the critical role of infrastructure in addressing the challenges of a changing climate. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Equity Built Farms Dam stands as a reminder of the intricate relationship between human intervention and natural systems, showcasing the potential for sustainable solutions in safeguarding our planet's most precious resource - water.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR- CENTERBRANCH FOX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.05

Nid Storage

23

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.