Somerset Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Somerset Reservoir Dam, located in Perry, Ohio, is a vital structure owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Built in 1941 by Burgess and Niple, Ltd., this earth-type dam stands at a height of 35.1 feet and serves primarily as a water supply source for the region. With a storage capacity of 130.4 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.5 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for the area, especially during times of drought or increased demand.

Despite its importance, Somerset Reservoir Dam is rated as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of 2017. The dam has undergone inspections every five years, with the last one conducted in April 2017. While the dam height is reported as 35 feet, the actual NID height is 35 feet, with a length of 375 feet. It is essential for the dam's safety and maintenance to be prioritized to ensure its continued functionality and prevent any potential risks to the surrounding community and environment.

As a key component in the local water supply infrastructure, Somerset Reservoir Dam requires ongoing monitoring and management to address its poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential. With its historical significance dating back to its completion in 1941, this earth-type dam remains a critical structure in providing water supply for the region. It is imperative for relevant agencies and stakeholders to collaborate in implementing necessary risk management measures and maintenance strategies to safeguard the dam's integrity and ensure the sustainable management of water resources in the area.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

375

Dam Height

35.1

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO SOMERSET CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.5

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

130.4

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

35
       
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.