Oberlin Upground Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Oberlin Upground Reservoir, located in Lorain, Ohio, is a vital water supply structure designed by Burgess & Niple in 1960.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this offstream reservoir serves as a crucial source of water for the city of Oberlin, with a storage capacity of 1070 acre-feet and a surface area of 54 acres. The dam, standing at a height of 20 feet and stretching 6156 feet in length, plays a significant role in maintaining the water supply for the community.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, the Oberlin Upground Reservoir undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a high hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of September 2018, the reservoir is subject to a five-year inspection frequency to assess any potential risks and necessary maintenance. Despite its age, the reservoir continues to serve its primary purpose of providing water supply to the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring water resources in the face of climate challenges.

As climate change impacts water resources worldwide, the Oberlin Upground Reservoir stands as a testament to the critical infrastructure needed to secure a reliable water supply. With its earth dam structure and regulated state jurisdiction, the reservoir serves as a lifeline for the community, emphasizing the need for continued investment in sustainable water management practices. As water enthusiasts and climate advocates, the Oberlin Upground Reservoir serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water resources, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

6156

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

54

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

1070

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.