Ferguson Upground Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ferguson Upground Reservoir, located in Lima, Ohio, is a vital water supply infrastructure designed by BUCK, SEIFERT & JOST in 1959.


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Summary

This Earth dam stands at a height of 49 feet, with a length of 17,400 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 8,259 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 307 acres and serves the primary purpose of water supply for the local government.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, the Ferguson Upground Reservoir is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safe operation. Despite being deemed as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as fair. Regular inspections are conducted every five years, with emergency action plans in place to address any potential risks to nearby communities in the event of a dam failure. The reservoir plays a crucial role in maintaining water resources in the area and is a key component of the local water supply infrastructure.

With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 940 cubic feet per second, the Ferguson Upground Reservoir on the Ottawa River serves as a critical asset in water management and climate resilience efforts in Allen County, Ohio. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the sustainable operation and maintenance of such reservoirs are essential in ensuring a reliable water supply for the community. The Ferguson Upground Reservoir stands as a testament to effective water resource management and serves as a model for sustainable infrastructure development in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

17400

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

OTTAWA RIVER - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

307

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

8259

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

49
       
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.