Essington Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Essington Lake Dam, located in Rehobeth, Ohio, is a state-regulated structure under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Completed in 1945, this earth dam stands at a height of 19.9 feet and spans a length of 625 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering visitors a serene escape amidst the picturesque surroundings of Perry County.
With a hazard potential rated as significant and a fair condition assessment as of June 2017, Essington Lake Dam is subject to regular state inspections to ensure its safety and structural integrity. The dam has a drainage area of 0.71 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 3487 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its recreational purpose effectively, providing a tranquil environment for outdoor enthusiasts and local residents to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking along its 16.1-acre surface area.
As a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, Essington Lake Dam remains a symbol of responsible stewardship and environmental conservation in the region. Its role in managing water flow along the tributary to Little Rush Creek highlights the importance of sustainable dam operation and maintenance practices to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of natural habitats for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
625 |
Dam Height |
19.9 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO LITTLE RUSH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.71 |
Nid Storage |
239.9 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Essington Lake Dam