Duke Water Harvesting Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Duke Water Harvesting Pond Dam in Durham, North Carolina, serves as a crucial water resource infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction along Sandy Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 2014, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 19.9 feet with a hydraulic height of 13 feet, providing a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet to manage stormwater runoff. With a drainage area of 188 acres, the dam plays a vital role in mitigating potential flooding events and protecting the surrounding communities.

Owned and regulated by the state of North Carolina, the Duke Water Harvesting Pond Dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, highlighting the importance of its proper maintenance and monitoring. Despite this, the condition assessment of the dam is currently deemed satisfactory, ensuring its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

Situated within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Duke Water Harvesting Pond Dam represents a key component of water management infrastructure in the region. With a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.9 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community from potential flooding events. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the importance of maintaining and enhancing such water resource infrastructure becomes increasingly vital for sustainable and resilient communities.

Year Completed

2014

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Sandy Creek

Surface Area

5.9

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

188

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

19.9

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.