Jackson Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Jackson Pond Dam, located in Union County, New Jersey, is a significant earth dam with a height of 14.9 feet and a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet.


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Summary

Its primary purpose is listed as "Other", serving as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region. The dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

The dam's location on the Rahway River makes it a crucial part of the local watershed, with a drainage area of 40 square miles. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Jackson Pond Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness. The dam's last inspection in November 2021 revealed no major issues, but its emergency action plan (EAP) has not been updated since 2011, raising concerns about its current effectiveness in the event of a crisis.

Managed by the local government, Jackson Pond Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and flood control in the area. With its proximity to residential areas and infrastructure, ensuring the dam's safety and functionality is paramount for protecting the surrounding community and the environment. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure like Jackson Pond Dam becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable water management and climate resilience.

Dam Length

276

Dam Height

14.9

River Or Stream

Rahway River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

40

Nid Storage

90

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.