Springwater Park Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Springwater Park Lake Dam, located in Kent, Ohio, is a private dam primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1945 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at a height of 21.6 feet and spans 200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 46 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its recreational purpose, Springwater Park Lake Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in June 2017 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, prompting concerns among water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a drainage area of 0.29 square miles and a maximum discharge of 16 cubic feet per second, the dam's structural integrity remains crucial for the surrounding community's safety and the preservation of Plum Creek, a tributary located near the dam site.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor Springwater Park Lake Dam, efforts to address its poor condition and significant hazard potential are essential. With a history dating back to 1945 and a current storage capacity of 46 acre-feet, the dam's role in recreation and water management in Portage County, Ohio, underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

21.6

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO PLUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.5

Drainage Area

0.29

Nid Storage

46

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.