Berea Reservoir Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Berea Reservoir, also known as Cowbell Creek Lake, is a local government-owned water supply facility located in Bighill, Kentucky.
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Summary
Built in 1955, this Earth dam stands at a height of 60 feet and spans a length of 540 feet, with a storage capacity of 625 acre-feet. The reservoir serves as a vital source of water for the surrounding community, with a normal storage level of 456.3 acre-feet and a surface area of 16.8 acres.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Berea Reservoir is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential, the reservoir is subject to a moderate risk assessment due to its age and lack of recent condition assessment. With an inspection frequency of 5 years, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain undisclosed.
Situated on Cowbell Creek in Madison County, Kentucky, Berea Reservoir plays a crucial role in providing water supply to the local community. While its risk assessment indicates a moderate level of potential hazards, ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight by state agencies aim to ensure the safety and reliability of this essential water resource for years to come.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
60 |
River Or Stream |
COWBELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16.8 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
625 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Berea Reservoir