Highwater Ethanol Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Highwater Ethanol is a private ethanol plant located in Lamberton, Minnesota, along the Pell Creek.


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Summary

With a dam completed in 2015 for water supply purposes, the facility has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2017. Managed by DRG Engineering, the dam has a height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for the plant's operations.

The dam at Highwater Ethanol plays a crucial role in supporting the facility's water supply needs, with a normal storage capacity of 76 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.4 acres. The structure is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement standards. Despite its small drainage area of 0.01 square miles, the dam provides essential water resources for the plant's ethanol production operations.

Located in Redwood County, Minnesota, Highwater Ethanol's dam on Pell Creek enhances the facility's sustainability by securing a reliable water source. With Collin Peterson as the district's representative, the plant operates under state jurisdiction and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. As a key player in the region's ethanol industry, Highwater Ethanol exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate-conscious practices in the production of renewable energy.

Year Completed

2015

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

PELL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.4

Hydraulic Height

1

Drainage Area

0.01

Nid Storage

103

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.