Lima Upground Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lima Upground Reservoir, located in Lima, Ohio, is a significant water resource managed by the local government for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1903, this earth dam structure stands at a height of 25 feet and spans a length of 8080 feet, with a storage capacity of 1573 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 85 acres and is fed by the Ottawa River offstream, with a drainage area of 0.01 square miles.

Despite its historical significance, the Lima Upground Reservoir is currently assessed as being in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection conducted in June 2017 revealed the need for improvements, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. The dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts visiting the Lima Upground Reservoir can appreciate its role in providing recreational opportunities while also acknowledging the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding communities. With its rich history and potential for improvement, this reservoir serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment of natural resources and the responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

8080

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

OTTAWA RIVER - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

85

Drainage Area

0.01

Nid Storage

1573

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.