Westerville Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Westerville Reservoir Dam, also known as Barnhard Reservoir, is a critical water supply infrastructure located in Westerville, Ohio.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 47 feet and stretches 820 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 1,258 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for water supply purposes, providing a normal storage capacity of 685 acre-feet spread over a surface area of 52.3 acres.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Westerville Reservoir Dam plays a vital role in the region's water management and flood control efforts. Despite being rated with a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with regular inspections conducted every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. It is situated near Alum Creek and serves as a tributary to the creek, contributing to the overall water resource management in the area.

With its designer listed as Burgess and Niple, Ltd., from Columbus, Ohio, Westerville Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to engineering expertise and careful planning in water infrastructure development. The dam's strategic location and effective operation underscore its importance in maintaining a reliable water supply for the local community. As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources, the efficient management and maintenance of dams like Westerville Reservoir Dam are crucial for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

820

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO ALUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

52.3

Drainage Area

2.58

Nid Storage

1258

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

47
       
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.