Northwest Water Treatment Plant Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Northwest Water Treatment Plant Dam #1, also known as Swann Wtp Reservoir No.


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Summary

1, is a crucial structure in Forsyth, North Carolina, serving as a key resource for water supply in the region. Completed in 2003, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 41 feet with a hydraulic height of 37.5 feet, offering a storage capacity of 131 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of water supply, this offstream dam plays a vital role in ensuring the availability of clean water for the community.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in March 2021. The state regulatory agency, NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program, oversees the permitting, inspection, and enforcement of regulations for this dam. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in February 2015, and the structure is subject to regular inspections every two years to ensure its integrity and safety for the surrounding area.

Located in the Huntington District and owned by the local government, Northwest Water Treatment Plant Dam #1 stands as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in North Carolina. With its significant storage capacity, this dam plays a pivotal role in supplying water to the community while adhering to state regulations and safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with its high hazard potential.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

900

River Or Stream

offstream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

37.5

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

131

Structural Height

41

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

41
       
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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.