Colonial No 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Colonial No 3 is a historic gravity dam located in Fayette, Pennsylvania, specifically in Jefferson Township along Washwater Run.


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Summary

Completed in 1907, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and stands at a height of 28.5 feet with a length of 161 feet. With a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 2 acres and has a drainage area of 1.5 square miles.

Owned privately, Colonial No 3 is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring that it meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been formally assessed for its condition. The last inspection took place in November 2015, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years.

This historical structure provides a glimpse into the early 20th-century engineering practices while offering a recreational oasis for local residents and visitors alike. Its serene setting along Washwater Run makes it a tranquil spot for nature enthusiasts and water resource aficionados to appreciate the intersection of human ingenuity and the natural environment.

Year Completed

1907

Dam Length

161

Dam Height

28.5

River Or Stream

WASHWATER RUN

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.