Bessemer City Water Treat. Res. Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Gaston, North Carolina, the Bessemer City Water Treatment Reservoir Dam serves as a vital water supply source for the local community.


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Summary

Managed by the local government, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, with a length of 550 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 14 acre-feet and plays a crucial role in maintaining the water quality and quantity for the area.

The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets all necessary inspection and enforcement requirements. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of December 2020 was deemed satisfactory. Emergency action plans are in place, with regular inspections and a risk management framework in place to mitigate any potential threats to the surrounding community and environment.

With its primary purpose being water supply, the Bessemer City Water Treatment Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and managing water resources effectively. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like this play a critical role in ensuring a stable and reliable water supply for the future.

Dam Length

550

River Or Stream

Long Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

14

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
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.