Newark Low Head Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Newark Low Head Dam, located on the North Fork Licking River in Newark, Ohio, serves as a crucial water supply source for the region.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this concrete dam stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 175 feet in length. With a normal storage capacity of 76 acre-feet and a drainage area of 240 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and ensuring a stable water supply for the surrounding community.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Newark Low Head Dam undergoes regular inspections to assess its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The dam has been rated as having a fair condition assessment, with a significant hazard potential. Despite this, the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of providing water supply to the area, reflecting its importance in maintaining the water resources and climate resilience of the region.

With a maximum discharge capacity of 21,000 cubic feet per second, Newark Low Head Dam has the capacity to manage high water flow events and mitigate flood risks in the area. As a key infrastructure asset, this dam underscores the critical role that water management plays in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of communities in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

175

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK LICKING RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

240

Nid Storage

1662

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.