Perryville Water Supply Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

The Perryville Water Supply in Cecil, Maryland, is a local government-owned dam designed by Brenner and Day Cons.Eng.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1900, serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond with a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1320 cubic feet per second. The dam has a significant hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as assessed in April 2021.

Located offstream on Mill Creek, the Perryville Water Supply dam is primarily used for fish and wildlife conservation purposes. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 74 feet, and it has a height of 15 feet and a length of 125 feet. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been modified in recent years and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement by the Maryland Dam Safety regulatory agency.

The Perryville Water Supply dam poses a significant risk due to its poor condition, with a history of inadequate maintenance and updated emergency action plans. With its pivotal role in providing water resources for fish and wildlife, it is essential for stakeholders and climate enthusiasts to prioritize the necessary measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Offstream-Mill Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.8

Drainage Area

2.6

Nid Storage

22

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.