Ella Street Low Head Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Ella Street Low Head Dam, located in Tiffin, Ohio, is a concrete structure on the Sandusky River with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

This dam, standing at 8.5 feet high and 277 feet long, plays a significant role in managing water resources in the area. It is regulated and inspected by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its proper functioning and safety.

With a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet and a drainage area of 961 square miles, the Ella Street Low Head Dam provides a vital water source for the surrounding community. Despite its age and significant hazard potential, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, indicating its continued effectiveness in water management. Regular inspections, the last of which took place in May 2018, help to ensure the dam's ongoing reliability and safety for both water supply and flood control.

As a key infrastructure for water resource management in Seneca County, Ohio, the Ella Street Low Head Dam serves as a crucial element in the region's water supply system. Its presence on the Sandusky River not only provides essential water storage but also plays a role in flood control and environmental conservation efforts. With state regulation, regular inspections, and a satisfactory condition assessment, this dam stands as a reliable and important asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Dam Length

277

Dam Height

8.5

River Or Stream

SANDUSKY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

70

Drainage Area

961

Nid Storage

300

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

9
       
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.