South Berwick Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Berwick Rocky Gorge Upper
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
South Berwick, located in York County, Maine, is home to a hydroelectric dam on the Great Works River.
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Summary
The concrete dam, completed in 1923, stands at a height of 38 feet and has a storage capacity of 960 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 900 acre-feet and a drainage area of 86 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of water and generating hydroelectric power in the region.
Managed by private owners, the South Berwick dam is state-regulated and subject to regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Despite its low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, the dam's importance in water resource management and energy production cannot be understated. With a spillway width of 194 feet and a historical association with gravity and masonry dam types, South Berwick's dam reflects a rich heritage of infrastructure development in the area.
As a key structure in the region's water resource infrastructure, the South Berwick dam stands as a symbol of sustainable energy generation and environmental stewardship. With its strategic location on the Great Works River and a history dating back almost a century, the dam continues to serve as a vital component in the local ecosystem and economy. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, South Berwick offers a fascinating case study in the intersection of history, technology, and environmental conservation.
Year Completed |
1923 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
Great Works |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
37 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
86 |
Nid Storage |
960 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
38 |
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.
South Berwick
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