Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam, located in Jackson, Mississippi, is a critical water supply infrastructure that has been serving the area since its completion in 1962. Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, this earth dam on the Pearl River stands at a height of 64 feet and has a hydraulic height of 56 feet, providing a storage capacity of 540,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 33,000 acres. The dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 250,000 cubic feet per second.

Designed by HARZA ENGINEERING, the Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and Tainter (radial) outlet gates, ensuring effective flood control and water management. Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as fair, with regular state inspections and enforcement in place to maintain its structural integrity. As a key component of the water supply infrastructure in Rankin County, Mississippi, the dam continues to play a vital role in meeting the region's water needs and mitigating climate-related risks.

With a risk assessment indicating a very high risk level, the Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam is a focal point for risk management measures and emergency preparedness. The dam's emergency action plan is periodically reviewed and updated, with guidelines in place to ensure its effectiveness in times of crisis. As climate change poses increasing challenges to water resources, the resilience of infrastructure like the Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of communities in the region.