Franz Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Echo Lake Dam Swift Run Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Franz Pond Dam, located in Piqua, Ohio, was completed in 1876 and serves as a crucial water supply resource for the local community.
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Summary
The dam, primarily owned by the local government, stands at a height of 20.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.92 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 29 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its historical significance and primary purpose of water supply, Franz Pond Dam has been classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition, based on a 2019 assessment. The dam is subject to state regulation by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam's location near the Swift Run tributary highlights its importance in managing water flow and storage in the area.
As an earth dam with a length of 600 feet, Franz Pond Dam poses potential risks that necessitate emergency action planning and risk assessment. With a maximum discharge capacity of 560 cubic feet per second, the dam's condition and hazard potential underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard the surrounding community and water resources. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the management of dams like Franz Pond Dam becomes increasingly critical for sustainable water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1876 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
20.6 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO SWIFT RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.92 |
Nid Storage |
92 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Franz Pond Dam