Bargaintown Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Off's Pond Dam Patcong Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bargaintown Mill Pond Dam, located in Bargaintown, New Jersey, is a historic earth dam completed in 1718 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 10 feet and stretching 900 feet in length, creates a serene pond on the Patcong Creek, offering a surface area of 46 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. Despite its age, the dam is in fair condition, with a significant hazard potential that requires a biennial inspection frequency.
Managed by the local government, the Bargaintown Mill Pond Dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With a normal storage capacity of 123 acre-feet and a drainage area of 19.2 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Atlantic County. Although no spillway information is provided, the dam's design and construction suggest a gravity structure that has stood the test of time for over three centuries.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bargaintown Mill Pond Dam serves as a historical landmark that combines recreational opportunities with essential water management functions. As one of the oldest dams in New Jersey, its presence on the Patcong Creek highlights the intersection of human engineering with natural ecosystems, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure practices in the face of changing environmental conditions. With a dedicated emergency action plan and regular inspections, the dam continues to be a valuable asset for the community, balancing the needs of recreation, water storage, and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1718 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
Patcong Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
46 |
Drainage Area |
19.2 |
Nid Storage |
123 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Birch Grove
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Whipporwhil Campsite
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Whipporwhill Campsite
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Frontier Campground
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Bargaintown Mill Pond Dam
East Seaview Avenue Linwood